What to Ask Your Landscape Contractor Before Starting a Fall Project

Fall project is one of the best times to upgrade your outdoor space. The cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall of Vancouver’s autumn provide excellent conditions for planting, hardscaping, and landscape renovations. But fall also brings unique challenges from soggy October weather to the complexities of working with Richmond clay soils or managing permits on North Vancouver slopes.

That’s why choosing the right landscape contractor and asking the right questions, is critical to ensuring your project is completed on time and built to last

Here are the essential questions to ask your landscape contractor before starting a fall landscaping project:

1. What Services Do You Specialize In?

Some landscaping companies lack the tools and expertise to manage fall construction projects. Make sure your contractor can manage:  

• Late-season planting and soil amendments for our region’s heavy rains
• Lawn renovations and sod installation timed before frost
• Irrigation adjustments and winterization
• Hardscape installations (patios, walkways, retaining walls, drainage solutions) designed for wet conditions and slopes

Ron – Owner/Operator explains: “Fall is a great time for planting but can be unpredictable. Wet ground and shorter days slow progress, so we focus on prep work early like drainage, soil, and access”

This early focus ensures your contractor can move efficiently once planting or construction begins, avoiding costly downtime from poor weather.

2. Planning & Pricing: Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate and Timeline?

Jake, Landscape Construction Site Supervisor at Swicks, notes: “The biggest challenges in fall are weather delays from heavy rain and shorter daylight hours. Wet soil makes excavation tricky and a lot more time-consuming”.

Whether you’re comparing fixed-price vs time-and-materials contracts, clarity up front ensures you’re comparing value, not just price.

For tips, see our guide on comparing landscape maintenance contracts.

3. Do You Have Experience With Fall Projects in Vancouver?

Request references or a portfolio specific to fall projects in the Lower Mainland. This shows the contractor understands:

• Planting success rates in cool, wet soil
  
• Strategies for working on slopes in North and West Vancouver
  
• How to protect lawns and gardens from equipment damage during rainy conditions

Ron adds: “For materials, stay away from porous stone or concrete finishes that can trap moisture before curing. Hardy plants root well in cooler temps, so choose wisely”.

This kind of regional experience is what separates seasoned design-build contractors from general landscapers.

4. How Will You Protect My Existing Landscape?

Fall weather increases the risk of compaction and damage.  A professional should explain how they will:

• Use ground protection mats or plywood on lawns
• Manage drainage during excavation in rainy periods
• Safeguard existing trees and garden beds
• Prevent mud tracking and debris buildup
  

Jake recommends: “Have drainage plans in place, and stay flexible with scheduling. Keeping the site as dry and clean as possible makes a big difference when conditions are wet”. You may also want to review our blog on resilient gardens to see how landscapes can thrive even after heavy work.

5. What’s the Timeline for Completion?

With winter around the corner, fall projects require precise scheduling. Consider asking:

• When can work start, given crews often book up early in the season?
  
• How long will each phase take (prep, hardscape, planting, and cleanup)? For example:
  
  • Week 1-2 (Prep): Design approval, site access planning, soil preparation, drainage installation, and irrigation checks.
  • Week 3-4 (Hardscape Installation): Patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other structural features are built and set to cure.
  • Week 5-6 (Softscape & Final Cleanup): Planting trees and sod, mulching, fertilization, irrigation adjustments, and final site tidy-up with aftercare tips
    
• Which equipment and staff will your contractor dedicate to your project?
  
• What’s the plan if weather delays construction?

“Best advice for clients: have materials ready and irrigation winterized ahead of time,” says Ron, “Good planning is what gets fall projects finished before the weather turns”.

A contractor who can outline a clear schedule with backup strategies shows they understand the realities of Vancouver’s fall climate.

6. What Kind of Warranty or Guarantee Do You Offer?

Quality contractors stand behind their work  but warranties can be different in fall. Ask about:

• Plants & Sod: Does the contractor guarantee plants and sod planted late in the season? What care steps must you follow?
  
• Hardscape Materials: Are patios and retaining walls warrantied against cracking or shifting during freeze-thaw cycles?
  
• Irrigation Systems: Are adjustments guaranteed to perform properly after winterization?
  

Clarify the terms, duration, and exclusions so you know exactly what’s covered.

Jake adds: “Concrete and mortar work can struggle in cold, wet conditions. Decking and woodwork can still be done in the rain, once the footings are completed”.

Knowing which materials perform best this time of year ensures your project is durable and low-maintenance.

7. How Should I Prepare My Property Before the Project?

Save time and costs by preparing your site:

• Move furniture, planters, and décor out of work zones
  
• Trim overgrown plants
  
• Mark irrigation heads and lines before digging
  
• Provide clear site access and, if possible, a staging area for materials
  

Ron’s tip: “Have materials ready and irrigation winterized before we arrive. That preparation saves time and helps us keep everything on schedule”.

These small steps help crews work efficiently, keeping your project on track before the weather shifts

Final Thoughts

The success of your fall landscaping project depends on asking the right questions before work begins. By clarifying services, pricing, timelines, warranties, and ensuring your contractor understands Vancouver’s unique fall conditions, you will protect your investment and enjoy results that last. 

We specialize in managing fall landscape construction and planting across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. If you are planning to build before winter sets in, now is the time to get started. Contact us to book a consultation and secure your spot before the weather window closes.