Suing a Landscaper or Lawn Care Company for Property Damage

Landscaping disputes typically fall into two buckets: damage caused during the work, or work that simply wasn't done as promised. Both are common small claims cases with fairly clear paths to building a strong claim.

Common landscaper disputes

• Damaged sprinkler lines, cables, or underground utilities during digging or planting
• Killed or damaged plants, trees, or lawn areas from improper treatment or chemical misuse
• Damage to hardscaping (patios, walkways, fences) from equipment
• Work paid for but not completed to the agreed scope

Evidence that strengthens property damage claims

• Before photos, if you have any showing the area's condition beforehand
• Photos of the damage, taken as soon as you notice it
• The original scope of work or estimate, showing what was agreed to
• A repair estimate from another contractor or specialist (an irrigation repair company, an arborist, etc.) specifically describing the damage and cost to fix it

Check if they called before digging

Many states have a "call before you dig" utility marking system (often reachable through a national number like 811) that landscapers and contractors are supposed to use before any digging work. If damage occurred to a marked utility line and the landscaper didn't check first, that's a strong indicator of negligence worth including in your case.

Plant and lawn damage is trickier to value

Unlike a broken pipe with a clear repair cost, damaged or killed landscaping can be harder to put a number on. Helpful approaches:

• Get a quote from a nursery or landscaping company for replacement plants of similar size and type
• If it's an established tree or mature landscaping, note that replacement value may reasonably be higher than a young plant of the same species — a nursery or arborist can help establish this
• Keep any receipts from when you originally purchased or installed the landscaping, if available

Check for licensing and insurance

Many states require landscaping and lawn care businesses to carry liability insurance, particularly for larger operations. If the company has insurance, filing a claim through their insurer may resolve things faster than court — worth asking about directly before filing.

Calculating your claim

• Repair costs for any damaged infrastructure (irrigation, hardscaping, utilities)
• Replacement value for damaged plants or lawn areas
• Refund for incomplete work, if applicable, based on the difference between what was paid and what was actually delivered

This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Contractor liability and licensing requirements vary by state — check your state's contractor licensing resources for specifics.