Will a landscape company abandon me after they get paid?

That risk drops when the contract protects you. Require: 1) milestone payments tied to visible work, 2) a written punch list at substantial completion, and 3) warranty terms with a post-install check (often 30–90 days). In Utah, reputable landscape companies schedule a one-year walkthrough to address settling, irrigation tweaks, and plant replacements. Hold a small retainage (5–10%) until punch items are closed. If a company resists these basics, find another.