You don't always need to be home while a landscaper is working on your property — but whether you should be depends on the size and complexity of the job, your level of trust in the tradesperson, and a few practical considerations around access, safety, and communication. Getting this right from the start makes the whole project go more smoothly for everyone.
It Depends on the Job
For routine maintenance work — like lawn mowing, hedge trimming, or garden tidy-ups — most homeowners are perfectly comfortable leaving a trusted landscaper to get on with it unsupervised. These are straightforward, low-risk tasks where the scope is well understood.
For larger or more complex projects — such as retaining walls, paving, irrigation installation, planting design, or earthworks — it's generally a good idea to be available, at least at the start and end of each day. These jobs involve more decisions, potential surprises (like discovering buried pipes or poor soil), and opportunities for miscommunication about what you actually want.
As a rule of thumb:
- Small, recurring jobs: Being home is optional if you've briefed the landscaper clearly.
- First-time jobs or new contractors: Being home for at least part of the day is wise.
- Major landscaping projects: Plan to be contactable at all times, and present for key milestones.
Before You Leave Them to It
If you do decide not to be home, a little preparation goes a long way.
Agree on Access
Make sure the landscaper can actually get to the areas they need — side gates, sheds, water taps, and power outlets. Discuss whether they'll need a key or gate code, and how that will be handled securely. Always confirm this in writing (even a text message works).
Walk the Site Together First
Before the job starts, walk around the property with your landscaper and point out anything important: plants you want kept, underground services (water, gas, electrical), irrigation lines, septic tanks, or areas that are off-limits. This avoids costly mistakes.
Clarify the Scope in Writing
Have a written quote or job description that clearly outlines what work will be done, what materials will be used, and what the finished result should look like. This protects both you and the tradesperson if there's a disagreement later. Consumer NZ has useful guidance on contracts and your rights when hiring tradespeople.
Leave a Contact Number
Even if you're at work, make sure your landscaper can reach you quickly if they hit an unexpected issue — like finding a cracked retaining wall, a drainage problem, or needing to make a call on plant placement.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Landscaping work can involve real hazards — power tools, heavy machinery, chemicals, and working near underground services. WorkSafe NZ sets out health and safety obligations for both workers and property owners (who can be considered a "person conducting a business or undertaking" in some situations).
If children or pets are on the property, make sure they are kept well away from any active work areas. Confirm this arrangement with your landscaper before work begins.
Underground Services
Before any digging starts, your landscaper should check for underground services. In NZ, this is done through Dial Before You Dig (now called beforeUdig). Striking a buried power cable, gas line, or water main is dangerous and expensive. Don't assume the landscaper will automatically do this — ask them directly.
Building Consent
Some landscaping work — particularly retaining walls over a certain height, or certain earthworks — may require a building consent under the NZ Building Code. Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists exemptions, but the rules can be nuanced. Always check with your local council before major earthworks or structural landscaping begins. MBIE Building Performance has clear guidance on when consent is needed.
Protecting Your Property and Valuables
If you're not going to be home, take a few sensible precautions:
- Lock internal doors and secure any valuables.
- Note down the names of anyone who will be on site.
- If it's a larger company, confirm which crew members will be attending.
- Consider a simple site photo before and after the job, so there's a record of the property's condition.
A reputable landscaper won't be offended by these steps — they're standard practice and protect the tradesperson as much as they protect you.
Building a Good Working Relationship
The best landscaping outcomes come from clear, ongoing communication. Even if you're not physically present, a quick check-in at the end of each day — by phone or a few photos sent via text — keeps you informed and gives you a chance to raise any concerns early before they become bigger problems.
If you're hiring a landscaper for the first time, it's worth asking for references or checking reviews. BRANZ and MBIE Building Performance both offer useful resources on working with tradespeople and understanding your rights as a homeowner.
When to Call a Professional
While landscaping itself isn't a licensed trade in NZ, some work that often falls within a landscaping project is legally restricted:
- Irrigation connected to the mains water supply may involve plumbing work that must be carried out by a licensed plumber registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board.
- Outdoor lighting and power must be installed by a registered electrician — check the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
- Structural retaining walls that require consent should be designed and built to meet the NZ Building Code.
Always ask your landscaper upfront whether any part of the project involves restricted trade work, and confirm that the right licensed professionals will be engaged.
If you're looking for a qualified, trustworthy landscaper in your area, you can search for local professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
