Do landscapers need a licence in South Australia?

For construction work valued over $12,000, a SA builder’s licence is required. This includes retaining walls, decking, pergolas, paving, and fencing. General garden maintenance, planting, and mulching do not require a licence. Always verify the licence through the SA Consumer and Business Services register.

How many quotes should I get for landscaping in Adelaide?

Getting 3 quotes is the standard recommendation and is exactly what our service provides. Three quotes give you a fair comparison of pricing, scope, and approach without being overwhelming. Ensure you compare like-for-like by providing each landscaper with the same brief.

What should a landscaping quote include?

A professional landscaping quote should include a detailed scope of work, specified materials with brands and quantities, labour costs, project timeline, payment terms, GST, quote validity period, and any allowances or provisional sums. Avoid accepting quotes that only list a total price without a breakdown.

How much deposit should a landscaper ask for?

For projects over $12,000 in South Australia, the maximum deposit is limited by law to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater. For smaller projects, a deposit of 10-20% is reasonable. Be wary of any landscaper requesting a larger upfront deposit before work begins.

What if something goes wrong with my landscaping project?

First, raise the issue directly with the landscaper in writing and give them a reasonable opportunity to rectify the problem. If they are unresponsive, contact SA Consumer and Business Services for advice. For licensed building work, there are formal dispute resolution processes available. Having a written contract with a defects liability period gives you the strongest legal position.

How to Choose a Qualified Landscaper in Adelaide

Choosing the right landscaper is one of the most important decisions you will make for your outdoor project. A qualified, experienced landscaper delivers work that lasts, meets regulations, and adds real value to your property. A poor choice can result in substandard work, cost overruns, and legal complications. This guide helps Adelaide homeowners make a confident, informed choice.

Last updated: 1 March 2026

In This Guide

Check Qualifications and Licences

In South Australia, landscaping work that involves structural elements like retaining walls, decking, pergolas, and fencing may require a builder’s licence. While general garden maintenance and planting does not require specific licensing, any construction work over certain value thresholds requires the contractor to hold a current SA builder’s licence issued by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).

For landscaping construction work valued over $12,000, the contractor should hold a current SA builder’s licence.
Check the licence status through the SA Consumer and Business Services (CBS) online register.
Ask for their licence number and verify it independently.
Landscape designers may hold qualifications from TAFE SA, university degrees in landscape architecture, or be members of the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM).
Trade-specific work such as plumbing for irrigation must be done by a licensed plumber.

Verify Insurance Coverage

A reputable Adelaide landscaper carries both public liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. These protect you and the landscaper in the event of an accident or damage during the project. Never engage a landscaper who cannot provide evidence of current insurance.

Public liability insurance: Minimum $5 million cover is standard. This covers damage to your property or injury to third parties during the work.
Workers compensation insurance: Required if the landscaper has employees. Covers workplace injuries.
Ask for a Certificate of Currency for each insurance policy and check the expiry date.
Ensure the policy covers the type of work being performed on your property.
If a subcontractor is used, they should also carry their own insurance.

Review Past Work and References

A quality Adelaide landscaper will be proud to show you examples of their previous work and provide references from past clients. Reviewing completed projects gives you confidence in their craftsmanship and helps you assess whether their style matches your vision.

Ask to see a portfolio of completed projects, ideally including work similar to your planned project.
Request references from at least 2-3 previous clients and actually contact them.
Ask references about the quality of work, communication, timeliness, and whether the project stayed on budget.
Check online reviews on Google, Facebook, and industry platforms, but be aware that reviews can be selectively curated.
If possible, visit a completed project in person to see the quality of workmanship and how it has aged.
Look for experience with Adelaide-specific challenges like reactive clay soils, heritage zone requirements, and local council processes.

Get Detailed Written Quotes

A professional quote should be detailed enough for you to understand exactly what you are paying for and to compare it accurately with other quotes. Vague or verbal-only quotes are a red flag. We connect you with up to 3 qualified Adelaide landscapers who provide proper written quotes, making comparison straightforward.

The quote should include a detailed scope of work describing every element of the project.
Materials should be specified by brand, type, and quantity, not just generic descriptions.
Labour costs, either itemised or included in the total, should be clear.
A project timeline with start date and expected completion date should be included.
Payment terms should be clearly stated, including deposit amount, progress payments, and final payment.
Any allowances or provisional sums should be identified and explained.
GST should be shown separately.
The quote validity period (usually 30 days) should be stated.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Asking the right questions during the quoting process helps you assess the landscaper’s professionalism, experience, and suitability for your project. A good landscaper welcomes questions and provides clear, confident answers.

How long have you been landscaping in Adelaide?
Do you hold a current SA builder’s licence? What is the licence number?
Can you provide a Certificate of Currency for your public liability and workers compensation insurance?
Have you done similar projects in my area? Can I see examples?
Will you handle council approvals if needed, or is that my responsibility?
Who will be on-site supervising the work day-to-day?
Do you use subcontractors? If so, are they licensed and insured?
What is your warranty on workmanship and materials?
How do you handle variations or changes during the project?
What deposit do you require, and what are the payment milestones?

Red Flags to Watch For

Knowing the warning signs of an unreliable landscaper can save you thousands of dollars and significant stress. If you encounter any of these red flags during the quoting process, consider looking elsewhere.

Requesting large upfront deposits (more than 10-20% of the project value) before any work begins.
No written contract or only a vague, one-page quote without material specifications.
Unable or unwilling to provide licence number, insurance certificates, or references.
Significantly cheaper than all other quotes, which often means cutting corners on materials or base preparation.
Pressure to sign immediately or offers that expire unreasonably quickly.
No fixed business address or only a mobile phone contact.
Unwillingness to discuss council approvals or engineering requirements.
Poor communication or slow responses during the quoting phase, which usually worsens once the project starts.

Understanding Contracts and Payments

A written contract protects both you and the landscaper. For projects over $12,000 in South Australia, a written domestic building work contract is a legal requirement. Even for smaller projects, a written agreement is strongly recommended.

The contract should include everything from the detailed quote plus start date, completion date, and payment schedule.
Deposits should not exceed 10% for projects over $12,000 under SA consumer law.
Progress payments should be tied to completion of defined stages, not arbitrary dates.
The final payment should be withheld until the work is completed to your satisfaction and a final inspection is done.
Variations (changes during the project) must be agreed in writing with a revised cost before the additional work proceeds.
A defects liability period (typically 12 months) should be included, during which the landscaper rectifies any issues at no cost.
Ensure the contract includes a dispute resolution process.

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