What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper in Sydney?

Picture this: a couple in Bondi had saved for years to transform their tired, uneven backyard into a family-friendly retreat. They imagined a lush garden with a deck, built-in seating, and space for their kids to play. Excited, they hired the first landscaper who promised quick results. Within months, the lawn was patchy, drainage was a mess, and the retaining wall began to lean. The “affordable” landscaper they’d hired had no proper license, left no warranty, and eventually stopped answering calls.

Stories like this are not rare in Sydney. Landscaping isn’t just about planting a few shrubs or laying pavers. It’s a mix of design, construction, architecture, and horticultural knowledge. If you’re investing in your home and lifestyle, you want to ensure you’re working with someone who is qualified, reliable, and experienced.

So how do you know who to trust? The answer lies in asking the right questions before you hire. In this article, we’ll walk through the most important things to ask, why they matter, and how firms like Bondi Landscapes in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs handle them.

Why Hiring a Landscaper Is Not Just About “Gardening”

Many homeowners underestimate how complex landscaping really is. They might think, “I just need some plants and a new path.” But often, a project requires:

• Landscape Design: turning ideas into detailed plans, considering functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

• Landscape Construction: building hardscape features like decks, walls, pools, and pathways, alongside planting.

• Landscape Architecture: integrating structures and gardens, while managing drainage, soil conditions, and structural elements.

One client in Randwick came to Bondi Landscapes asking for a “simple garden tidy-up.” Once the team assessed the site, it turned out the block had drainage issues, uneven grading, and structural concerns. A quick fix would have failed within a year. Instead, with proper design and construction, the team created a garden that not only looked great but also handled heavy rains without flooding the patio.

This is why hiring the right professional matters. You’re not just paying for plants, you’re investing in expertise and long-term value.

The Eastern Suburbs Factor

Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs have unique challenges. Anyone who’s lived near Bondi, Bronte, or Coogee knows the salty air, steep blocks, and smaller courtyards demand more than cookie-cutter solutions.

• Coastal climate: salt spray can damage certain plants and finishes.

• Sloping sites: require retaining walls, proper drainage, and thoughtful layout.

• Compact courtyards: need clever design to feel both spacious and private.
  

After 16 years in the area, Bondi Landscapes understands these conditions. They’ve designed everything from lush courtyards in Paddington to poolside escapes in Bronte. Their team knows which materials withstand coastal exposure, how to make small spaces feel inviting, and how to engineer landscapes that last.

The 10 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper

Here are the essential questions every Sydney homeowner should ask before committing to a landscaping project.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is non-negotiable. In NSW, structural landscaping requires a license. Without it, you’re at risk of unsafe work, council issues, and no legal protection if something goes wrong.

Bondi Landscapes is fully licensed (Licence No: 297811C) and insured. They’re also proud members of The Landscape Association of NSW and ACT, which means they meet industry standards.

When a homeowner in Vaucluse asked for proof before starting a pool landscaping project, Bondi Landscapes provided everything upfront, giving the client confidence to move forward.

2. What Experience Do You Have in My Area?

Local experience is critical. Landscapers who don’t understand Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs can easily misjudge conditions.

For example, a Bronte client wanted tropical-style planting around a pool. The wrong species could have failed in the salty air. Bondi Landscapes’ team selected salt-tolerant plants that still created the lush look, ensuring the garden thrived year after year.

Ask for examples of nearby projects, not just generic portfolios.

3. Do You Handle Both Design and Construction?

Some companies only design, while others only build. That can mean hiring two different firms, with the risk of miscommunication in between.

Bondi Landscapes offers both Landscape Design and Construction under one roof. Their process is seamless:

1. Consultation

2. Concept and Design

3. Quoting for Construction

4. Full Build and Handover
   

This reduces headaches and keeps accountability clear.

4. Can I See Examples of Your Work?

A landscaper’s portfolio says more than their promises. Look for a mix of styles, sizes, and budgets.

Bondi Landscapes shares their projects on Houzz, Instagram, and Facebook. From compact courtyards to expansive poolside gardens, you can see real transformations.

One Paddington homeowner said seeing similar courtyard makeovers online gave her confidence that Bondi Landscapes could handle her tricky, shaded space.

5. How Do You Approach Budgeting and Transparency?

Landscaping costs vary widely. Some projects might be under $20,000, while others exceed $150,000, depending on scope.

Bondi Landscapes begins with a consultation, then provides a tailored Design Fee Proposal. Once approved, a detailed construction quote follows. This step-by-step approach ensures no hidden surprises.

Clients appreciate knowing what’s included, like drainage, lighting, and finishes, before committing.

6. What’s Your Process from Consultation to Completion?

A clear process avoids stress. Bondi Landscapes uses a proven system:

• Consultation: Principal Antony Aris visits the site.

• Design: architects and designers craft a concept.

• Approval & Quote: transparent breakdowns.

• Construction: licensed team executes every detail.
  

A Maroubra family appreciated how each stage was explained clearly. By knowing timelines and responsibilities, they felt involved without being overwhelmed.

7. How Do You Ensure Quality and Longevity?

Good landscaping should last. This depends on:

• Quality materials.

• Skilled construction.

• Correct plant selection.
  

Bondi Landscapes’ projects are built with longevity in mind. Their 2019 award-winning project for Residential Design & Construction up to $75K is proof of their standards.

8. Can You Handle Pools, Retaining Walls, and Complex Builds?

Some landscapers only do “softscape” (plants, turf). For projects involving pools, retaining walls, or decks, you need a licensed structural team.

Bondi Landscapes specialises in pool landscaping, retaining walls, and complex garden structures. Their pool projects, showcased on their portfolio, are custom-designed for each property.

9. Who Will Be Managing My Project?

Large firms sometimes hand projects to subcontractors. It’s better to know who’s actually in charge.

Bondi Landscapes is a tight-knit team led by Antony Aris, who personally oversees projects. Clients aren’t left wondering who to call, they have a direct line to the director and his skilled crew.

10. What Happens After Completion?

Gardens evolve. Plants grow, seasons change, and maintenance is essential.

Bondi Landscapes offers ongoing Landscape Maintenance services for clients who want their investment cared for long-term. Even homeowners who prefer to DIY get plant care guidance at handover.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

When interviewing landscapers, be cautious of:

• Vague quotes with no detail.

• No written contract.

• “Cash only” deals.

• Too-good-to-be-true pricing.
  

One Eastern Suburbs homeowner learned the hard way when their cheap “landscaper” disappeared mid-project. Fixing mistakes cost double.

How Bondi Landscapes Stands Apart

What makes Bondi Landscapes different?

• Award-winning: 2019 Landscape Excellence Award.

• Experienced: 16 years in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

• Qualified: licensed structural landscaper.

• Respected: proud member of The Landscape Association NSW & ACT.

• Bespoke: every design is tailored, not cookie-cutter.

Clients know they’re getting a trusted, professional team, not just someone with a lawnmower.

Practical Tips for Homeowners Before Contacting a Landscaper

To make the most of your consultation:

• Collect inspiration images (Pinterest, Instagram).

• Be honest about the budget, and landscapers can suggest options that fit.

• Think about how you’ll use the space: entertaining, play, relaxation.

• Consider maintenance: do you want low-maintenance or do you enjoy gardening?

A Clovelly couple came prepared with a mood board. It sped up the design phase and ensured the final garden matched their vision perfectly.

Real Client Journeys

Bondi Courtyard Makeover

A small courtyard felt dark and cramped. Bondi Landscapes added vertical gardens, clever seating, and lighting. Now it feels twice the size and is the owner’s favourite spot to unwind.

Bronte Poolside Retreat

A steep block needed retaining walls and clever drainage. The result? A stunning pool area with surrounding decks and plantings, perfectly engineered for safety and beauty.

Randwick Low-Maintenance Garden

Busy professionals wanted a lush look without weekend upkeep. Bondi Landscapes designed a mix of succulents and hardy natives, plus automated irrigation. The garden now looks immaculate year-round with minimal effort.

Why Asking the Right Questions Builds Trust

Landscaping is a partnership. By asking the right questions, you protect your investment and set the stage for a positive experience. A trustworthy landscaper will welcome your questions and provide clear answers.

At Bondi Landscapes, clients are encouraged to be curious, involved, and informed. Transparency is part of their DNA, and it shows in the strong relationships they’ve built across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Call to Action

Thinking about transforming your garden or adding a pool? Start by asking the right questions, and get answers you can trust.

Visit Bondi Landscapes to explore their services and portfolio, or connect with them directly on Instagram, Facebook, or Houzz.

To book a consultation, get in touch here or call 0412 154 594.

Conclusion

Hiring a landscaper in Sydney is about more than finding someone with tools. It’s about partnering with professionals who understand design, construction, and the local environment. By asking the right questions, from licensing and process to maintenance, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and ensure your project adds real value to your home.

Bondi Landscapes has spent 16 years helping homeowners in the Eastern Suburbs create gardens that last. Whether it’s a courtyard in Paddington or a poolside retreat in Bronte, they bring the expertise, authority, and trust you need.