Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said enough: Why do landscapers suck? It’s a blunt question, but one I hear often—and honestly, it’s valid. There are too many recurring issues in this industry that have become “normal,” and they shouldn’t be. At AMS Landscaping, we’ve made it our mission to flip that script.
Here’s a real look at some of the problems I see—and what we’re doing differently to change the game.
1. Lack of Follow-Through
One of the biggest complaints I hear: landscapers say they’ll do something—and then don’t. At AMS, we take that seriously. That’s why we’ve implemented checklists for every job, which are emailed to you immediately after completion. You’ll know what got done and when.
We also work hard to follow up quickly. Whether it’s a voicemail, email, or text, you’ll get a response. We even have systems in place to avoid calls going to voicemail in the first place.
2. Poor Communication
From unclear expectations to missing service dates with zero notice—bad communication kills trust. That’s why we:
Send an email a week before service
Send a text the day before
Alert you right away if there’s an issue (weather, equipment failure, etc.)
Reassign crews as needed to avoid rescheduling
Overcommunicate—always
3. High Turnover
Another common issue? Constant turnover. Crews change, and you never know who’s coming to your property. At AMS, we’ve tackled that with:
Performance-based bonuses
Incentives tied to positive customer reviews
Long-term staff development and a team culture that retains good people
When crews stick around, they build real relationships with customers—and the quality of work reflects that.
4. Seasonal Staffing Struggles
Summer gets busy. Winter slows down. Many landscapers lay people off, and when spring hits, it’s a scramble. Our approach? We offer off-season upsells to keep our team working and consistent all year—so you see the same faces season after season.
5. Overloaded Schedules
Some companies pack their days so full, your job becomes an afterthought. At AMS, we’re conscious of not overbooking. We want our crews busy—but not so stretched that quality or punctuality suffers. We’re proud to hit our scheduled service days 99% of the time.
6. Wrong Fit for the Job
Not all landscapers are built for every property. Some specialize in huge commercial or HOA jobs—and then try to handle residential homes the same way. The result? High costs and poor service.
AMS Landscaping is built for residential clients. We understand your needs, your property, and your expectations. Our crews are trained specifically for that.
7. What Actually Makes a Landscaper Stand Out?
At AMS, we ask this question all the time—because we don’t want to be like everyone else. Some of the little things we do to set ourselves apart:
Knock on the door and ask: “How’s service going?” and “What can we do to improve it?”
Roll up hoses, straighten things up—those little extra touches
Listen when customers share feedback, even if it’s something as small as a branch that’s bugging them
It all comes back to one thing: communication. Overcommunication, really. That’s what makes the biggest difference.
What Can Your Landscaper Do Better?
If you’ve had a bad experience with a landscaper, you’re not alone. But not every company sucks—and we’re here to prove it.
Got a question? Want to get a quote?
Visit our website at www.azlawns.com
Call us at 602-944-0421
Let’s raise the standard for what landscaping service should be.