10 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Landscaping Company in Brentwood, TN
Tennessee is more than just a picturesque place to live. It’s a canvas of gently rolling hills, stately homes, and perfectly manicured properties. For homeowners here, outdoor spaces are not just part of the home. They are an extension of your lifestyle. When you're searching for a landscaping company in Brentwood, TN, you’re not looking for “good enough.” You’re investing in quality, longevity, and artistry.
But even the most well-intentioned homeowners can misstep.
Here are the top 10 mistakes homeowners make when hiring a landscaping company and exactly how to avoid them.
Related: Dealing With Erosion? How Drainage and Retaining Walls Help in Brentwood, TN & College Grove
1. Choosing Based on Price Alone
We’ll say it clearly: luxury landscaping is not a bargain-bin purchase. If a quote feels suspiciously low, it probably comes with hidden sacrifices. Inferior materials, undertrained crews, or corners being cut may not be evident on Day 1. But give it a season or two, and you’ll start seeing the cost of “cheap.”
Top-tier landscaping companies in Brentwood charge for their experience, craftsmanship, and concierge-level service. You’re not just paying for labor. You're investing in decades of expertise, premium materials explicitly sourced for Middle Tennessee’s climate, and flawless execution.
2. Not Checking Licenses and Insurance
This isn’t glamorous, but it is critical. Your landscaping company should be fully licensed, bonded, and insured to operate in the state of Tennessee. No exceptions. This protects you in the event of property damage, injury, or unfulfilled work. It also separates seasoned pros from fly-by-night operations.
Ask to see proof. A trustworthy company will never hesitate to provide credentials. If they do, walk away with confidence.
3. Skipping the Written Contract
Too many homeowners rely on verbal agreements or vague estimates scribbled on the back of a business card. That is not how luxury service works. You need a comprehensive, written contract that outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, design specifics, a timeline, and a clear payment structure.
A legitimate contract protects both you and your landscape investment. It sets expectations and prevents unpleasant surprises down the line. Never sign off on a project without one.
A detailed agreement also holds your landscaping company accountable for delivering exactly what was promised. It serves as a roadmap for the project, helping to track progress and ensure quality standards are met at every phase. Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind, knowing your vision is being brought to life with clarity, professionalism, and precision.
4. Ignoring Brentwood’s Seasonal Landscape Needs
Middle Tennessee has a wildly dynamic climate. Winters can be wet and unpredictable, and summers are long, humid, and often dry. Spring brings vibrant growth but also heavy rains that can challenge drainage systems. Fall offers relief, but also lots of debris.
You need a team that understands how our climate affects everything from planting selection to the best times for installation. For example, structural element installations are best scheduled for fall and winter when the ground is stable and crews are less impacted by heat. Spring is ideal for installation, but too much rainfall can delay projects. Professionals who plan around these seasonal windows will protect your timeline and budget.
The right company will also anticipate potential delays caused by weather shifts and proactively adjust the schedule or materials to minimize disruption. Some planting species perform beautifully in Brentwood’s spring, only to struggle in the dense humidity of July. Your landscaper should know the difference. Local knowledge is not just a nice detail. It is essential for building a landscape that thrives in every season.
5. Overlooking Soil Quality and Grading
Let’s get down to earth. Brentwood’s soil can be a mix of dense clay, rocky layers, and nutrient-depleted topsoil. It takes an expert’s eye to test, amend, and prepare soil correctly before adding plantings or installing structural features.
Without proper soil prep and grading, you’re setting yourself up for drainage issues, planting failure, or sinking stonework. A high-caliber landscaping company will not skip this step. They’ll evaluate your property and create a solid foundation that supports long-term success.
Over time, improperly graded soil can shift, which leads to uneven pavers, pooling water, and costly repairs. Soil composition also affects root development and water retention, which are critical for planting health. A professional understands how to tailor grading and soil amendments to suit the specific topography of your property.
Related: Get Your Landscape Spring-Ready With Expert Irrigation and Plantings in Brentwood, TN & Franklin, TN
6. Failing to Address Drainage and Erosion
Our region is no stranger to heavy spring and summer storms. If your landscape design doesn't factor in proper drainage solutions, water will find a way. And not in a good way.
Flooded lawns, soggy beds, or worse, erosion around your home’s foundation are real risks. Look for a landscaping company that takes drainage seriously. From French drains to dry creek beds to strategic grading, they should offer custom solutions that protect both beauty and function.
Standing water can also attract pests, damage planting roots, and create hazards around walkways or patios. Effective drainage design helps preserve the structural integrity of your structural elements over time. An experienced team will assess your property's natural slope, water flow patterns, and soil absorption rates to design a system that works harmoniously with the landscape.
7. Selecting the Wrong Plantings for the Climate
Brentwood’s climate supports various planting life, but that doesn’t mean all plantings thrive here. Choosing exotic species just for aesthetics can lead to costly replacements and high-maintenance headaches.
An expert will guide you toward plant selections that are visually stunning and climate-appropriate. Native species, drought-tolerant ornamentals, and seasonal color installations can create a sustainable and show-stopping landscape. And when done right, it looks effortlessly beautiful.
The right plantings will also support local pollinators and improve the overall health of your outdoor environment. When making recommendations, a knowledgeable landscaper will account for sun exposure, soil type, and long-term growth habits. Selecting the proper combination of plantings can reduce water usage, lower maintenance needs, and extend seasonal interest throughout the year.
8. Neglecting Landscape Lighting
The sun sets. But your property shouldn't fade into darkness. High-end landscapes deserve high-end lighting that adds drama, security, and ambiance.
From walkway illumination to uplighting architectural trees or outdoor sculptures, lighting should be part of your master plan from the start. Too often, it’s an afterthought. A luxury landscaping company will incorporate lighting as an essential layer in the design, using energy-efficient fixtures and smart technology to highlight your home’s best features.
Well-designed lighting enhances aesthetic appeal during the evening hours and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for outdoor entertaining. It can also improve peace of mind by clearly defining steps, elevation changes, and key transitions across the property. A thoughtful landscape lighting plan transforms your landscape into a nighttime experience that is just as impressive as it is during the day.
9. Forgetting Long-Term Maintenance Planning
The perfect landscape is only as good as its upkeep. Unfortunately, this is where many homeowners drop the ball. A stunning yard installed in May can look unrecognizable by October without a thoughtful maintenance plan.
Look for a landscaping firm that offers ongoing service packages or has a trusted lawn and garden maintenance division. Long-term success relies on consistent care, from seasonal pruning and fertilization to lawn treatments and irrigation system checks.
Your landscape isn’t static. It grows, shifts, and responds to the seasons. Maintenance is not optional if you expect enduring beauty.
Regular inspections can catch issues early, preventing small problems from becoming expensive repairs. A proactive team will adjust care routines based on weather patterns, planting maturity, and changing conditions. True luxury landscaping is not just installed, it is nurtured with intention over time.
10. Not Communicating Your Vision Clearly
You have a vision — a mood, a feeling, maybe even an inspiration board. But too many homeowners assume their landscaper just gets it. Don't leave it to chance.
The best landscaping companies invite you into the design process. They’ll ask detailed questions, provide sketches or 3D renderings, and revise plans based on your feedback. Clear communication ensures that your project reflects your lifestyle, tastes, and how you want to use your outdoor space.
This isn’t a generic installation. It reflects your personality. Your landscape should feel like you, only outdoors.
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Landscaping offers far more than aesthetic appeal. Professionally designed outdoor spaces improve aesthetic appeal and create functional areas for relaxation, entertainment, and everyday living. A well-landscaped property can also contribute to environmental health by reducing erosion, improving air quality, and supporting native wildlife.
In Brentwood’s climate, strategic landscaping provides essential benefits such as shade, water management, and year-round visual interest. For homeowners who value luxury, comfort, and long-term investment, landscaping transforms a property into a personalized sanctuary that elevates both lifestyle and legacy.
Ready to Elevate Your Outdoor Space?
Let’s be honest. You’re not just planting shrubs or laying stone. You’re curating a lifestyle. Your landscape should echo the same level of sophistication, style, and attention to detail as your interiors. And that starts with choosing the right team.
Brentwood’s natural beauty deserves more than cookie-cutter designs and subpar service. Whether you envision sweeping lawn vistas, elegant stonework, or a backyard retreat that feels like a private resort, the right landscaping company can bring that vision to life with precision, luxury, and artistry.
Avoid the pitfalls we’ve covered here and you’ll be well on your way to creating an outdoor space that doesn’t just add value to your property but transforms how you live in it.
Because when it’s done right, your landscape won’t just impress the neighbors. It will impress you every single day.
About the Author
In 1990, at just 14 years old, Jayme Niedergeses took the first step in starting his own company when he started mowing lawns around his hometown. From that one-man lawn-mowing operation grew a reliable, full-service landscaping company that serves the entire Middle Tennessee Area. Niedergeses landscapers are fully licensed, insured, highly trained, and extensively experienced. Every full-time and seasonal member of our crew is dedicated to providing excellent customer service as they create and care for beautiful landscapes.
