Is it safe to give a landscape contractor a deposit?

Yes, deposits are standard in the landscaping industry, but the size and terms matter. A reasonable deposit is typically 10–30% of the total contract price. Anything higher, especially demands for full payment upfront, should raise concerns. Deposits serve a purpose — they secure your place on the schedule and allow the contractor to purchase materials. To protect yourself, make sure the deposit terms are spelled out in a written contract that also includes the scope of work, timeline, and balance payment schedule. Pay by check or credit card rather than cash so there’s a record of the transaction and potential recourse if needed. In Utah, licensed landscape contractors working under the S330 classification are expected to operate with written contracts. You should also confirm that your payments are applied to the total project cost, not treated as nonrefundable fees. If a contractor hesitates to formalize these details, that’s a sign to walk away before money changes hands.