Caution is definitely the byword here. Based on a lot of observations, I would say the key to success is to keep them just a little behind in the payment department. In other words, don't pay a lot of money up front for a landscaping job. You would prefer to pay when it is done but bigger jobs may merit some "timed" payments - a little upon signing contract (make sure you have a well written contract), a little more at various points throughout the job. The key is keep about 25% for the final payment. This is made only after you are happy, all the "punch list" items have been taken care of, the trash hauled away, your year cleaned up, all contract conditions met, you have a copy of any C.O. or Arch. Review documents that may be required (this is rare in landscaping but it does happen), you get a Release of Lien from any subcontractors they used (again sort of rare but watch out for it), and then you make that final payment.
It's hard work but it's not rocket science. If you keep the landscaper just a little behind the power curve money-wise, they will work hard to make you happy and collect that last payment - which usually represents their profit. If they want a lot of money up front, find someone else! Too many take the up-front money and never return - that becomes their "profit". Also consider that if the company is so underfunded and credit-strapped that they can't afford to get your plants, mulch, pavers, etc., without an advance payment from you, how good will their 90-day or 1-year guarantee be?
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