What should I ask a landscaper before hiring them?

Ask how they build for Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate (base depth, frost-depth footings, and drainage), whether they're insured and pull required permits, to see real local projects, and for a written itemized estimate. Also confirm who designs the project.

How do I avoid a bad landscaping contractor?

Avoid contractors who give vague ballpark pricing, skip or rush base preparation, can't show proof of insurance or local work, or pressure you for large upfront cash. Insist on a written, itemized estimate.

Why hire a local Twin Cities landscaper?

Local landscapers understand Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate and build accordingly: deep compacted bases, frost-depth footings, proper drainage, and code-compliant walls. That's what makes projects last in our winters.

Hiring

How to Choose a Landscaper in the Twin Cities

Key takeaways

Hire local; Minnesota climate experience matters.
Ask how they handle freeze-thaw (base depth, footings, drainage).
Confirm insurance, and that they pull required permits.
Insist on a written, itemized estimate, not a ballpark.
Review real local projects, not just stock photos.

Why local experience matters

Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate is unforgiving of shortcuts. Someone who builds here season after season already knows to dig deep, compact a real base, set footings below frost, and design drainage that survives a winter. That know-how is the line between work that lasts 25 years and work that's already failing by year three.

Questions to ask before you hire

How do you build for Minnesota winters? You want to hear about base depth, frost-depth footings, and drainage.
Are you insured, and do you pull permits? Retaining walls over 4 feet, decks, and fences usually need them.
Can I see local projects you've finished? Real Twin Cities work tells you more than a stock photo ever will.
Will I get a written, itemized estimate? You should know exactly what each dollar is buying.
Who actually designs the job and runs the crew? At Great Goats, owner Mike Olson designs every project himself.

Red flags to avoid

Vague ballpark pricing with nothing in writing.
Skipping or rushing base prep to hit a lower number.
No proof of insurance, or dodging the permit conversation.
Pressure to sign today, or big demands for cash upfront.

The Great Goats difference

We're family-owned, Twin Cities born, with 20-plus years of local work behind us. Meet Mike & the crew or request a free consultation.