It depends on the predictability of the project. Hourly pricing ($60/hr per person) is ideal for general yard maintenance, weeding, leaf cleanup, and bed preparation because you only pay for the exact time spent working on your property. Flat-fee bids are common for large-scale construction or hardscaping, though contractors often build risk buffers, non-refundable deposits (10%–20%), or unexpected material fees into flat quotes.

Many traditional landscape contractors charge a fee or require a minimum project size to perform an onsite visit. However, for standard yard care and maintenance, hourly labor services do not require an onsite consultation. Homeowners can simply estimate the number of hours needed or provide photos/videos of their yard online to book help immediately without waiting for a contractor visit. Click here to get a free online estimate.

Traditional full-service contractors collect deposits (typically 10% to 20%) to secure materials upfront and lock in scheduling. Labor-only service models generally do not require large upfront deposits for routine yard work because the homeowner provides their own materials, keeping the financial commitment simple and straightforward.

Service providers use minimum charges (usually covering 6 hours of labor) to cover travel time, equipment transport, and crew dispatch costs. To maximize the value of a minimum service charge, homeowners should list multiple small tasks for the crew to complete in a single visit—such as combining bush trimming, flower bed weeding, and leaf raking.

For non-structural yard work—such as pulling weeds, spreading mulch, trimming bushes, and raking leaves—hiring energetic student workers or labor-focused helpers provides the highest value. You get the same physical labor done at a fraction of the cost. For complex structural builds like stone retaining walls, drainage systems, or electrical water features, hiring specialized heavy contractors is recommended to avoid costly installation mistakes.

The most effective way to lower landscaping expenses is to source materials yourself and hire labor separately. Purchasing mulch, soil, rock, or plants directly from local suppliers eliminates retail contractor markups. Additionally, arranging for on-site composting or using city yard-waste bagging saves on expensive off-site waste disposal fees.

Tipping is optional and not required, but it is always appreciated for hard physical labor in challenging weather conditions. If a crew works efficiently and does a great job on your yard, a tip of 10% to 20% of the total labor cost (or $20–$40 per worker) is standard.

Choose a company with clear communication, upfront estimates, and strong customer reviews. Always request a clear breakdown of labor and materials before work begins. His Workmanship connects homeowners directly with hardworking, reliable landscaping crews who deliver quality results without the heavy corporate markup.