Question 1

Are these actually the varieties we specified with the contractor?

Accepted Answer

Verifying plant varieties is important to ensure you’re getting what you paid for. Check the tags attached to each plant and compare them against the contract’s botanical names and cultivars. For example, if your contract specifies Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Blaze’, make sure that exact variety is what was installed, not just a generic red maple. [&hellip;]

Question 2

Some plants look half-dead—should I ask for replacements?

Accepted Answer

Before requesting replacements, it’s worth diagnosing the problem. Utah’s heat, clay soils, and dry winds can stress new plants even when installed correctly. Start by checking moisture levels about three to four inches down in the soil. Overwatering and underwatering both cause stress, so adjust irrigation accordingly. Avoid pruning heavily; only remove clearly dead material [&hellip;]

Question 3

The plants look smaller than I expected—is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that’s common and usually not a cause for concern. Contractors often install plants at nursery sizes rather than mature sizes, because younger plants establish more quickly and adapt better to new environments. In Utah, shrubs and perennials typically fill out within one to two growing seasons, and trees take longer—sometimes three to five years [&hellip;]

Question 4

Did my landscape company install the plants I ordered?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to verify plant installation is to compare the contract’s plant list to what was delivered and installed on-site. Start by checking plant tags, which usually include the botanical name, container size, and sometimes the cultivar. If tags are missing, ask your contractor for delivery tickets or nursery invoices to confirm what was [&hellip;]

Question 5

Why are change orders from the contractor adding up so fast?

Accepted Answer

Change orders are one of the easiest ways for costs to spiral if they’re not managed. Common causes include scope drift (adding features mid-project), unforeseen site conditions (hidden utilities, soil issues), and homeowner-driven upgrades (choosing higher-end materials). To stay in control, insist on three practices: 1) require all change orders in writing before work begins, [&hellip;]

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these actually the varieties we specified with the contractor?

Some plants look half-dead—should I ask for replacements?

The plants look smaller than I expected—is that normal?

Did my landscape company install the plants I ordered?

Why are change orders from the contractor adding up so fast?

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