Everything You Should Know
Landscape installation is construction. If it’s treated casually, it fails expensively. Before you hire anyone to install sod, hydroseed, drainage, plants, patios, or retaining walls, read this.
If you’re in Western Washington, especially around Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, or anywhere in Thurston County, this matters even more.
1. Get Everything in Writing — Always
If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist. Period.
A legitimate landscape installation company will provide a clear, written proposal or contract that outlines exactly what is being built, how it’s being built, and what happens if conditions change.
You should receive:
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A detailed scope of work
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Materials being used (not just “topsoil” or “rock”)
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Prep work included (demo, grading, base, soil amendment)
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Start and estimated completion timeline
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Payment schedule
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Warranty or guarantee details
Questions to ask:
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Will I receive a written proposal or contract before work starts?
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What exactly is included — and what is not?
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How are change orders handled if conditions differ once work begins?
If a company avoids paperwork, they’re avoiding accountability.
2. “Landscape Install” Is a Broad Term — Clarify Exactly What They Do
Many companies say they do installs. Fewer actually understand them.
True landscape installation includes:
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Site prep and demolition
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Grading and compaction
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Drainage correction
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Sod installation or hydroseeding
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Planting (trees, shrubs, beds)
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Irrigation and drainage systems
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Hardscaping (retaining walls, patios, walkways)
Questions to ask:
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What types of landscape installs do you specialize in?
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Do you handle grading and site prep, or is that extra?
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What parts of the project are subcontracted?
If they can’t explain their install process step-by-step, they shouldn’t be installing anything permanent.
3. Local Experience in Western Washington Is Non-Negotiable
What works elsewhere fails here.
Western Washington has:
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Heavy rainfall
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Clay-heavy soils
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Poor natural drainage
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Long wet seasons
Installers who don’t understand this cause:
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Soggy or dying lawns
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Washed-out hydroseed
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Settling patios
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Leaning retaining walls
Questions to ask:
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How long have you installed landscapes in this area specifically?
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How do you design installs for heavy rain?
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What soil prep do you do before sod or hydroseeding?
Local experience isn’t a bonus — it’s required.
4. Licensing, Insurance, and Liability Protection Matter
Landscape installs involve machinery, excavation, and structural work. If something goes wrong, you want protection.
Questions to ask:
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Are you licensed in Washington State?
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Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance?
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Can you provide proof before work begins?
If they hesitate, walk.
5. Cheap Install Quotes Usually Mean Skipped Steps
Low bids don’t come from efficiency. They come from shortcuts.
Commonly skipped:
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Proper base depth
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Soil amendment
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Compaction
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Drainage fabric or rock
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Correct grading
You won’t see the failure immediately — but you will pay for it.
Questions to ask:
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What preparation is included in this price?
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How deep is the base for patios or retaining walls?
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Is soil amendment included or just surface dirt?
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What happens if bad soil or drainage is discovered?
Professionals explain where the money goes.
6. Every Install Is a Drainage Project (Even Lawns)
In Western Washington, ignoring drainage is the fastest way to ruin an install.
Poor drainage causes:
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Muddy lawns
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Erosion
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Standing water
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Short sod and seed lifespan
Questions to ask:
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Will drainage be evaluated before install?
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Do you install French drains or drywells if needed?
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How do you prevent washout during heavy rain?
“You’ll be fine” is not an answer.
7. Guarantees Should Be Realistic — Not Sales Talk
No installer controls weather, but professionals stand behind workmanship.
Questions to ask:
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Do you warranty sod, hydroseed, or plants?
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What voids that warranty?
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Do you provide post-install care instructions in writing?
If there’s no follow-up plan, expect excuses later.
8. Timelines and Scheduling Tell You How They Operate
Install timelines should reflect reality, not sales promises.
Questions to ask:
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How long will this realistically take?
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How do weather delays affect scheduling?
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Do you start and finish jobs consecutively or juggle projects?
Rushed installs fail. Period.
