Licenses

• Before you hire an interior landscaper, you should know whether or not he is a licensed contractor. License requirements vary by state, and can depend the exact type of work you need done. According to the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, your landscaper should be either a licensed landscape architect, a design/build landscape contractor or a landscape designer. You shouldn't take your landscaper's word for his credentials; ask to see proof.
  
  

References

• When hiring an interior landscaper, its important to gauge her work ethic and past performances. Request several references from previous customers. If your landscaper doesn't want to give you references, note this as a red flag. It could be that you are one of her first customers. If you choose her anyway, ask that your vote of confidence be reflected in the price.
  
  

Insurance

• All landscapers should have liability insurance and worker's compensation. Ask whether he has these things; if not, inform him they are necessary to perform the job.
  
  

Staff

• You should inquire about the staff your interior landscaper will be use. Ask any questions you need to feel comfortable allowing these people to work in your home and around your family. Questions might include criminal history and drug and alcohol use. You might feel awkward asking about these matters, but remember the safety of you and your family is your first priority. It is better to be safe than polite.
  
  

Pricing

• You should know what your interior landscaper will charge for her services. Ask her if she foresees any reasons why the actual price will be higher or lower than her estimate. Get the estimate and a price cap in writing.
  
  

Scheduling

• When hiring an interior landscaper, you should know his anticipated end date for completing the job. Ask him how many hours he intends to work per day and which days he intends to take off. Ask him what reasons (if any) he foresees that might cause the job to take longer than he originally intended. Discuss how the pricing might change if the original deadline can't be met.