Am I being too picky, or not picky enough, when hiring a landscaping company?

The right balance is to be thorough without being unreasonable. In Salt Lake and Davis Counties, landscaping is a major investment, and you should absolutely be picky about licenses, insurance, contracts, and references. These are non-negotiables. It’s also smart to ask detailed questions about plant choices, irrigation systems, and maintenance requirements. Where you don’t need to be overly picky is in cosmetic details that don’t impact long-term value — for example, insisting on a rare plant that may not survive Utah’s climate. A good landscaper will guide you toward durable, region-appropriate solutions. The test is this: are your questions helping you clarify scope, quality, and protection? If so, you’re being appropriately cautious. If you find yourself nitpicking cosmetic items without considering function or budget, you may be slowing the process unnecessarily.