How to Hire a Licensed Landscaper in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide

A retaining wall that leans after the first heavy rain. Pavers that sink and pool water against the house. Drainage that sends stormwater straight into the neighbour’s yard. Bad landscaping is expensive to fix and can cause serious structural damage to your home. With over 2,070 licensed landscapers in Queensland alone listed on TradieVerify, finding a qualified professional is straightforward. This guide explains how to hire a licensed landscaper in Australia, what qualifications to look for, when landscaping work requires a builder’s licence, costs in AUD, and the rules around retaining walls, drainage, and tree removal.

Why You Should Only Hire a Licensed Landscaper

Landscaping sits in a unique position among building trades. Some work (planting garden beds, laying mulch) does not require a licence. But the moment you start building structures, moving earth, or altering drainage, licensing requirements kick in.

Legal requirement. In Queensland, structural landscaping over $3,300 (including labour and materials) requires a QBCC licence. In NSW, the threshold is $5,000 under the Home Building Act 1989, with penalties up to $22,000 for individuals. A licensed landscaper has completed a Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921).

Structural safety. Retaining walls, pergolas, and decking must meet engineering and building standards. A retaining wall over one metre high typically requires engineering certification. A licensed landscaper understands load calculations, soil types, and drainage requirements.

Insurance protection. If an unlicensed landscaper damages your property or underground services, you may have no recourse. Properly licensed landscapers carry public liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.

Accountability. Registered landscapers answer to state regulators. If a dispute arises, you can lodge a complaint through the QBCC, NSW Fair Trading, or the relevant state body.

Consumer guarantees. Under Australian Consumer Law, landscaping services must be provided with due care and skill, be fit for purpose, and completed within a reasonable time.

You can verify any landscaper’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page.

1. Understand Structural vs Soft Landscaping Before You Hire

This is the most important distinction when hiring a landscaper. Getting it wrong means hiring the wrong person for the job, or paying for a licence you do not need.

Structural (hard) landscaping involves building permanent features:

• Retaining walls (timber, concrete block, stone, gabion)
• Paving and pathways (concrete, brick, natural stone)
• Decking and outdoor entertaining areas
• Pergolas, gazebos, and shade structures
• Fencing and screening
• Steps, ramps, and edging
• Drainage systems and stormwater management

Structural landscaping requires a licence in most states because it involves construction. In Queensland, the QBCC issues two relevant licence types: “Structural Landscaping (Trade)” for trade-level work, and “Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping” for larger projects.

Soft landscaping covers living and non-structural elements: planting trees and shrubs, laying turf, garden bed preparation, mulching, irrigation, and garden design. Soft landscaping does not require a building licence, though irrigation connected to mains water may need a licensed plumber.

Why it matters for hiring. A soft landscaper who plants gardens and lays turf may not hold a structural licence. If your project includes a retaining wall, paving, or a pergola, you need a licensed landscaper with a structural landscaping qualification. Ask what licence class they hold and match it to your project scope.

Browse licensed landscapers in Queensland to find landscapers with the right qualifications for your project.

2. Check Their Licence Before You Sign Anything

Before you accept a quote or pay a deposit, verify the landscaper’s licence on TradieVerify or the relevant state register.

Here is what to check:

• Licence status. Is it current and active? An expired or suspended licence means they cannot legally take on structural work.
• Licence class. In Queensland, check whether they hold “Structural Landscaping (Trade)” or “Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping”. The builder class covers a wider scope of work including retaining walls of any height.
• Business details. Does the licence name and ABN match what appears on the quote?
• Disciplinary history. State registers often show past enforcement actions or complaints.
• Insurance currency. Ask for a copy of their public liability insurance certificate and check the expiry date.

Where to verify online:

• QLD: QBCC licence search at qbcc.qld.gov.au
• NSW: Service NSW licence check at service.nsw.gov.au
• VIC: VBA practitioner register at vba.vic.gov.au
• WA: DEMIRS online search at ols.demirs.wa.gov.au

Any legitimate landscaper will hand over their licence number without hesitation. If they avoid the question, find someone else.

3. Know When Landscaping Requires a Builder’s Licence

This is where many homeowners get caught out. Certain landscaping work crosses the line into building work, which requires a builder’s licence rather than (or in addition to) a landscaping trade licence.

Retaining walls. In Queensland, a Structural Landscaping (Trade) licence covers retaining walls up to the height not requiring engineering certification, generally one metre. Walls over one metre need a “Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping” licence or a general builder’s licence. In NSW, retaining walls over 600mm generally require development approval.

Structures. Pergolas, carports, and outdoor rooms attached to the house or exceeding size thresholds may require a building permit and builder’s licence.

Drainage and stormwater. Any work connecting to the stormwater system or sewer requires a licensed drainer or plumber. Your landscaper can install surface drainage (ag pipes, gravel trenches), but the connection to council infrastructure must be done by a licensed drainer.

Understanding these boundaries prevents you from hiring a trade landscaper for work that requires a builder, or paying builder prices for work that a trade landscaper can handle.

4. Understand Tree Removal Rules Before Your Landscaper Starts

Tree removal is one of the most regulated aspects of landscaping, and the rules are set by local councils rather than state building regulators.

Council permits. Most councils require a permit before removing any significant tree. The definition of “significant” varies: some councils protect all trees over a certain trunk diameter (often 200mm), while others protect specific species or trees within heritage overlays. Fines for removing a tree without a permit can exceed $3,000, and councils do enforce these rules.

When a permit is not needed. Dead trees and trees posing an immediate danger to people or property can generally be removed without a permit. Only the part creating the risk can be removed under the immediate danger exemption.

Who does the work. Tree removal is not covered by a structural landscaping licence. Your landscaper may coordinate with a qualified arborist (Certificate III in Arboriculture, AHC30820) for tree removal. There is no government-issued “arborist licence” at the state level, but professional arborists carry industry qualifications and insurance.

Your landscaper’s responsibility. A good landscaper will check council tree protection overlays before starting site preparation and flag trees that need permits. If your landscaper starts clearing trees without mentioning council approval, that is a red flag.

5. Get Three Written Quotes and Compare Properly

Get at least three written quotes before committing to any landscaping project.

What a proper landscaping quote should include:

• Detailed scope of work with dimensions and materials specified
• Site preparation (excavation, demolition, soil removal or import)
• Material specifications (paver type, retaining wall system, timber species for decking)
• Drainage provisions (subsoil drainage, ag pipe, connection points)
• Planting schedule with species, pot sizes, and quantities
• Whether council permits, engineering drawings, or surveying are included
• Timeline, labour and materials breakdown, and GST inclusion

Compare like for like. A retaining wall quote using treated pine sleepers at $250/sqm is not comparable to one using concrete block at $500/sqm. Always compare the same materials and scope.

Watch for missing drainage. The most common shortcut in landscaping quotes is leaving out drainage behind retaining walls and under paved areas. Without drainage, water builds up behind walls (hydrostatic pressure) and under pavers (causing subsidence). If a quote does not mention drainage, ask what is included.

6. How Much Does a Landscaper Cost in Australia?

Landscaping costs depend on the type of work, materials, site access, soil conditions, and your location. Here are indicative costs as of 2025-2026:

Common landscaping jobs:

Hourly rates:

Location matters. Sydney landscapers typically charge 20-30% more than Brisbane or Perth. Regional areas may charge less per hour but add travel and delivery surcharges.

Site access drives cost. Rear yard access for a bobcat or excavator saves thousands in labour compared to hand-carrying materials through a narrow side gate. Poor access means higher quotes.

7. Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring a Licensed Landscaper

Beyond checking their licence, these questions help separate experienced landscapers from those who will leave you with problems.

About retaining walls:

• “What drainage will you install behind the wall?” (The answer should include ag pipe, geotextile fabric, and gravel backfill. No drainage means the wall will eventually fail.)
• “Does this wall height need engineering?” (If it is over one metre, the answer should be yes in most jurisdictions.)
• “What footing design are you using?” (Concrete footing depth and width should be specified, not just “we’ll dig it in.”)

About drainage:

• “Where will stormwater discharge to?” (It must go to the council stormwater system, an approved soak-well, or to the street. Directing it to a neighbour’s property is illegal.)
• “Are you licensed to connect to the stormwater system?” (If not, they need to subcontract a licensed drainer for the connection.)

About the project generally:

• “Can you show me photos of similar completed projects?” (You want to see work that matches your project type.)
• “Do you carry public liability insurance?” (Ask to see the certificate, not just a verbal yes.)
• “What is your warranty on workmanship?” (Structural defects fall under statutory warranty periods that vary by state.)
• “Will you need a council permit?” (If the answer is “no permits needed” for retaining walls, structures, or tree removal, verify independently.)

Search for licensed landscapers near you on TradieVerify to start comparing qualified professionals.

8. State-by-State Licensed Landscaper Guide

Landscaping licensing varies across Australian states. Here is a summary with real licence counts from the TradieVerify database:

Key differences between states:

• Queensland has the most specific landscaping licensing, with 2,076 active licensed landscapers on TradieVerify. QBCC issues both a trade-level and a builder-restricted-to-structural-landscaping licence with different scope limits.
• NSW requires a contractor licence for structural landscaping over $5,000. Fair Trading NSW lists “structural landscaping” as a specific licence category.
• Victoria has no specific “landscaper” licence. Structural landscaping falls under building practitioner registration through the VBA.
• WA, SA, and TAS regulate structural landscaping under general building contractor licensing.

9. Red Flags When Hiring a Landscaper

Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs:

• No licence number on the quote. A reputable landscaper displays their licence number on all paperwork.
• “You don’t need a licence for landscaping.” Soft landscaping does not require a licence, but any structural work above your state’s threshold does. This claim is often used to avoid accountability.
• No mention of drainage. Every retaining wall and paved area needs drainage. If the quote does not include it, the landscaper is either cutting corners or lacks the technical knowledge for structural work.
• No site inspection before quoting. A landscaper who quotes from photos is guessing at soil conditions, access, and drainage fall.
• Vague material specifications. The quote should name specific products, not just “concrete blocks” or “pavers”.
• Large upfront payment. A deposit of 10-20% is reasonable for ordering materials. Asking for 50% or more before starting is a warning sign.
• No Dial Before You Dig call. Before excavation, your landscaper should call 1100 to locate underground services. Hitting a gas main or water pipe is dangerous and expensive.
• Pressure to sign immediately. A qualified landscaper is happy for you to take time, get other quotes, and check references.

If you suspect someone is performing unlicensed structural landscaping work, report them to your state regulator. In Queensland, report directly to the QBCC. In NSW, contact Fair Trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a landscaper is licensed in Australia?

Search for any landscaper’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page, which pulls data from state regulators. You can also check directly with the QBCC (QLD), Fair Trading NSW, or the VBA (VIC). Ask for the licence number upfront and verify it before signing any quote. Remember that only structural landscaping work requires a licence; soft landscaping (planting, turf, mulching) does not.

How much does a licensed landscaper cost per hour in Australia?

A qualified landscaper typically charges $50 to $80 per hour. Experienced structural landscapers charge $70 to $110 per hour. Sydney rates are 20-30% higher than Brisbane or regional areas. Most landscaping projects are quoted as a fixed price rather than hourly.

Do landscapers need a licence in every Australian state?

Landscapers doing structural work (retaining walls, paving, pergolas) need a licence in every state, though the specific category varies. Queensland has dedicated “Structural Landscaping” licences. NSW lists structural landscaping as a distinct category under Fair Trading. Other states regulate it under broader building practitioner categories. Soft landscaping (planting, turf, garden beds) does not require a building licence in any state.

When does landscaping work require a builder’s licence instead of a landscaping licence?

In Queensland, retaining walls over the height requiring engineering certification (generally one metre) need a “Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping” licence or a general builder’s licence, not just a trade landscaping licence. Structures attached to the house (covered pergolas, outdoor rooms) and work requiring a building permit often fall under builder licensing. Always check with your state regulator if you are unsure about the licence class needed for your project.

Does my landscaper need a separate licence for drainage work?

If your landscaping project includes connecting to the council stormwater system or sewer, that connection must be done by a licensed drainer or plumber. Your landscaper can install surface drainage (ag pipe, gravel trenches, swales) as part of the structural landscaping scope, but the point of connection to council infrastructure requires a drainage licence. In Queensland, this is a separate QBCC licence category. Many licensed landscapers subcontract drainage connections to a licensed drainer.

Do I need council approval for my landscaping project?

It depends on the scope. Most councils require approval for retaining walls over 600mm to one metre (varies by council), structures over certain sizes, removal of significant trees, and changes to stormwater drainage. Garden planting, turf, and mulching generally do not require council approval. Your licensed landscaper should advise which parts of the project need permits.

Summary

Hiring a licensed landscaper in Australia comes down to these key steps:

• Verify their licence on TradieVerify or the relevant state register before signing anything
• Match the licence to the work by understanding whether you need a structural landscaping licence, a builder’s licence for larger structures, or no licence at all for soft landscaping
• Get three written quotes specifying materials, drainage provisions, and full scope of site preparation
• Check council requirements for tree removal permits, retaining wall approvals, and building permits before work begins
• Confirm drainage plans including subsoil drainage behind retaining walls and stormwater discharge points
• Verify insurance by requesting current certificates for public liability and workers compensation

With over 2,070 licensed landscapers in Queensland listed on TradieVerify, and more states being added regularly, finding a qualified landscaping professional starts with a simple licence check. Search for a licensed landscaper in your area on TradieVerify and get your landscaping project done right.

Related Guides

• How Much Does a Fence Cost? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide — Our fencing costs
• How Much Does a Deck or Pergola Cost? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide — Our deck and pergola costs
• Building Permits and Approvals — Our building permits guide

Sources

1. Queensland Building and Construction Commission: Structural Landscaping Licence, https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/other-trade/structural-landscaping-trade
2. NSW Fair Trading: Structural Landscaping Licences, https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/licensing-and-qualifications/structural-landscaping-licences
3. QBCC: Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping, https://qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/builder/builder-restricted-structural-landscaping
4. Training.gov.au: AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction, https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/AHC30921
5. ACCC: Consumer Guarantees, https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/warranties
6. Yellow Pages: How Much Does Landscaping Cost 2025, https://www.yellowpages.com.au/articles/landscaping-and-landscape-design/cost-of-landscaping
7. Sprintlaw: How to Become a Landscaper in Australia Legal Essentials, https://sprintlaw.com.au/articles/how-to-become-a-landscaper-in-australia-legal-essentials/
8. Victorian Building Authority: Drainage Registration, https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/registration-and-licensing/plumbing-registration-and-licensing/drainage