How to Choose a Landscaper in Hobart

Hiring the wrong landscaper is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. This guide covers everything you need to know — or you can skip the research and let us match you with pre-vetted Hobart landscapers directly.

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8 Questions to Ask Every Landscaper

These questions will quickly separate professional landscapers from those who should be avoided. A genuine professional will answer all of them without hesitation.

1. Are you licensed for this type of work?

Structural landscaping works (retaining walls, decks, pergolas) require a building contractor licence from CBOS Tasmania. Always ask to see the licence number and verify it on the CBOS website.

2. Do you carry public liability and workers compensation insurance?

Public liability insurance (minimum $5M) protects you if the landscaper damages your property or injures someone. Workers compensation is mandatory for any employees. Ask for certificates of currency before work starts.

3. Can you provide a detailed written quote?

A professional quote should itemise materials, labour, plant species, quantities and any allowances. Vague quotes lead to cost blow-outs and disputes. Never accept a verbal quote alone.

4. Do you have references from Hobart projects I can contact?

Hobart-specific experience matters — climate, soil and local council knowledge are genuine differentiators. Ask for two to three recent local references and actually call them.

5. What is your project timeline and availability?

Quality landscapers in Hobart are often booked 4–12 weeks ahead. If a contractor is available immediately during peak season, that may indicate low demand. Get a realistic completion timeline in writing.

6. Who will be on site — you or subcontractors?

Many landscapers subcontract portions of work. It is not inherently a problem, but you should know who will be on your property and ensure all workers are covered by the contractor's insurance.

7. What is your payment structure?

A reasonable payment structure is a deposit (max 10% under the Building Act), progress payments tied to milestones, and a final payment on completion. Avoid contractors who demand more than 10% upfront or full payment before completion.

8. What warranties do you offer on plants and works?

Most professional landscapers offer at least a 12-month defects warranty on workmanship and will replace plants that fail within the first season. Get this in writing before work commences.

Red Flags to Watch For

Walk away from any landscaper who exhibits these warning signs. They indicate an unprofessional operator who may leave your project unfinished or over budget.

✗No written quote — verbal only

✗Requests full payment before work starts

✗Unable to provide evidence of insurance

✗No licence for structural work (retaining walls, decks)

✗Unusually low quote without explanation

✗No local references or portfolio

✗Pressure to decide immediately ("today only" pricing)

✗Arrives with no site inspection or measurements

✗Vague plant specifications ("assorted native shrubs")

✗Cash-only payment with no receipt

Contract Checklist

Every landscaping project should have a written contract. Check it covers these elements before signing.

✓Scope of works — detailed description of everything included

✓Plant schedule with species, sizes and quantities

✓Material specifications (paver type, timber grade, etc.)

✓Site-specific notes (soil condition, drainage, access)

✓Commencement and completion dates

✓Payment schedule tied to milestones

✓Variations clause — how changes are priced and approved

✓Defects liability period (minimum 12 months)

✓Dispute resolution process

✓Contractor licence and insurance numbers

Landscaper Hiring FAQs

For structural works — retaining walls over 0.6m, decks, pergolas attached to dwellings and earthworks exceeding permit thresholds — the contractor must hold a building contractor licence from CBOS Tasmania. Garden maintenance, planting and non-structural work does not require a building licence, but a professional landscaper should still carry public liability insurance.

Under the Building Act 2016, for projects over $20,000, a deposit (or prepayment) cannot exceed 10% of the contract price. For smaller projects there is no statutory cap, but reputable landscapers will typically ask for 10–20% upfront to secure materials. Paying more than this before any work starts is a red flag.

Landscaping rates in Hobart range from approximately $50–$100/hour for garden maintenance, to $75–$150/hour for qualified landscaping contractors. Full project quotes will vary enormously by scope. The best way to assess fair value is to get at least three comparable quotes and use our cost calculator for a baseline estimate.

You can verify a building contractor or building work supervisor licence on the CBOS Tasmania website (cbos.tas.gov.au). Search for the contractor's name or licence number. All licences for structural work are publicly searchable.

Yes — always get at least three quotes before committing to a landscaping project. Multiple quotes give you a realistic sense of market pricing, allow you to compare scope and inclusions, and reveal whether any contractor is unusually cheap (a red flag) or unusually expensive. Our free matching tool connects you with up to three pre-vetted Hobart landscapers in one step.

At minimum, a professional landscaper should carry public liability insurance of at least $5 million. If they employ workers, they must also carry workers compensation insurance. For any work that qualifies as building work under the Tasmanian Building Act 2016, they should also hold home warranty insurance for projects over $20,000. Always ask for current certificates of insurance before allowing work to commence.

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