What’s the Difference Between Contracted Landscapers and Business License-Only Gardeners? A Guide for Homeowners

Sempervirens Gardening | Posted on February 3rd, 2025

When it comes to maintaining your garden or landscaping, the decision between hiring a contracted landscaper or someone with just a business license can be more important than you think. Both options can get the job done, but they bring different advantages and challenges. Understanding the key differences will help you make the best choice for your property, budget, and peace of mind.

Contracted Landscapers vs. Business License-Only Gardeners: What's the Difference?

1. Contracted Landscapers Contracted landscapers are professionals who often work with or for landscaping companies, and they typically enter into formal contracts with homeowners or businesses.  Moreover, contracted landscapers hold a classification of the California State Licensing Board. When they do a business contract, it defines the scope of the work, pricing, timelines, and any specific terms regarding ongoing maintenance or project-based work. A contracted landscaper often has a team of skilled workers under their supervision.

2. Business License-Only Gardeners On the other hand, a gardener with just a business license may be an independent contractor or a small operation who holds the required local licenses to perform gardening services. They might not have a formal contract in place, and their services are often more flexible and less structured. They typically focus on a more specific set of tasks—such as lawn care, planting, or garden maintenance—rather than large-scale landscaping projects. In addition, Business Licence-Only Gardeners by law are not allowed to contract or bid on a construction project valued at $1,000 or more (this includes labor and material costs).

The Pros of Hiring Contracted Landscapers

1. Professional Expertise and Comprehensive Services Contracted landscapers often bring a wealth of experience and a wide range of services to the table. They’re skilled in all aspects of landscaping, including design, installation, irrigation systems, hardscaping, and seasonal plant care. Because they work within a structured company or team, they can handle complex and large-scale projects efficiently.

2. Clear Contracts and Guarantees One of the biggest advantages of hiring a contracted landscaper is the certainty that comes with a formal contract. Contracts outline the scope of work, timelines, costs, and guarantees for services, providing legal protection in case something goes wrong. This means you’re more likely to get exactly what you’ve agreed upon—and have recourse if issues arise.

3. Reliability and Accountability Contracted landscapers are usually more reliable because they are working under a business that has accountability systems in place. Larger landscaping companies tend to have a reputation to uphold, and they will often have insurance and liability coverage to protect both parties in case of accidents or damage.

4. Ability to Handle Large-Scale Projects Contracted landscapers have the manpower and resources to take on extensive landscaping projects, from complete garden redesigns to hardscaping features like patios, decks, and retaining walls. If you need more than just a quick lawn mow or some garden trimming, contracted landscapers are equipped to tackle larger projects.

The Pros of Hiring a Business License-Only Gardener

1. Lower Costs and Flexibility One of the primary benefits of hiring a gardener with just a business license is the lower cost. Since they usually operate independently or in small teams, overhead costs are lower, which often translates to more affordable rates for clients. They can also offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing for last-minute or small tasks to be completed quickly.

2. Personal Attention Business license-only gardeners tend to provide a more personal touch. Because they often work solo or in smaller teams, you can expect a closer working relationship and individualized care. If you prefer a gardener who takes time to understand your personal preferences and the unique needs of your garden, a business license-only gardener might be a better fit.

3. Local Expertise Smaller, independently licensed gardeners often live and work in the same areas they serve, giving them valuable local knowledge. They may be more attuned to the specific climate, soil conditions, and types of plants that thrive in your region, making them great resources for local garden care.

The Cons of Hiring Contracted Landscapers

1. Higher Costs The biggest drawback to hiring a contracted landscaper is the price. The overhead associated with operating a larger landscaping company—staff salaries, insurance, equipment, and marketing costs—can be passed on to the customer. If you're on a tight budget, a contracted landscaper might not be the most cost-effective choice.

2. Less Personalized Service With larger companies comes less personalized service. You may find that you’re working with different people each time, and your needs or preferences may not be as well understood as with a smaller, individual gardener.

3. Scheduling Issues Due to their size, contracted landscapers may have more clients, which could lead to scheduling delays or longer wait times. If you need someone to come on short notice, a large company may not be able to accommodate your needs as quickly as a smaller operation might.

The Cons of Hiring Business License-Only Gardeners

1. Limited Scope of Services While a business license-only gardener can be perfect for tasks like routine lawn care or basic garden maintenance, they may not have the skills or resources to handle larger, more complex landscaping projects. If you’re thinking about a total landscape overhaul or need specialized work done (like irrigation installation), this type of gardener may not be the best choice.

2. Less Accountability Without a formal company structure or contract, there may be fewer guarantees for the work provided by a business license-only gardener. If something goes wrong or the job is incomplete, it may be harder to hold them accountable. They may also lack the insurance and liability coverage that comes with a larger landscaping company.

3. Potentially Limited Availability As an independent contractor, a business license-only gardener might have a tight schedule, particularly during peak seasons. If they are in high demand, getting consistent service might be a challenge, and they may not have a team to handle larger projects if you need them.

Which Option is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between a contracted landscaper and a business license-only gardener depends on the complexity of your landscaping needs, your budget, and the level of service you're looking for.

• Choose a contracted landscaper if you're planning a large-scale project, need a diverse set of services, or prefer the added peace of mind that comes with a contract and insurance coverage.

• Choose a business license-only gardener if you're looking for personalized service, ongoing maintenance, or affordable solutions for simpler tasks like lawn care, plant care, or garden clean-up.

We are committed to providing both types of services to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for an extensive landscaping overhaul or routine garden care, our experienced team is here to help you achieve the garden of your dreams!