The HMNDP methodology page is the editorial transparency document. Every ranking we publish, every cost figure we quote, every supplier we feature on this site is sourced, methodology-explained, and updated on a defined cycle. This page explains how.
The short version
- Contractor ranking: licensing verified, insurance proof on file, no pay-to-play
- Cost data: real 2026 contractor quotes, averaged across at least 3 verified operators per metro
- Sources: named state agencies, federal data, peer-reviewed research only
- Supplier listings: verified contractor-tier pricing access, stock confirmation
- Update cycle: cost data refreshed quarterly, contractor directory monthly, news daily
- No affiliate revenue on programmatic pages — featured placements clearly marked “Sponsored”
How we rank lawn care and landscape contractors
Every contractor in our directory is vetted across five layers: (1) state license verification (active, not lapsed, matching the service categories advertised); (2) workers comp and general liability insurance verification (current certificate on file); (3) pesticide applicator certification where the service requires chemical application (Category 3A Turf and Ornamental in most states); (4) customer review aggregation across Google, Yelp, BBB, and direct interviews on featured contractors; (5) operational track record (years in business, employee count, service area definition).
Ranking weights specialization match (lawn care vs design-build vs maintenance vs full-service), applicator certification, and operational longevity. We do not take referral fees. Contractors cannot pay to rank higher.
How we report on cost data
Every cost figure on this site comes from real 2026 contractor quotes. For each cost guide we collect quotes from at least three verified operators per metro. We publish both the range and the median, with the variance explained (regional labor, material category, install complexity, seasonal factor).
We do not use HomeAdvisor or Angi cost aggregations. Those are estimates of estimates. Our cost data is operator-verified.
How we vet nurseries and suppliers
Supplier listings are tagged by what the supplier actually does well: native plant stock, drought-tolerant inventory, hardscape distribution, irrigation contractor pricing, fertilizer and chemical pro-tier access. We verify contractor-tier pricing access where claimed. Stock confirmations are done quarterly.
How we review software
Software reviews are done over a 30-day live test inside a working lawn care or landscape operation. We rate route optimization quality, mobile app reliability, estimating speed, recurring billing accuracy, scheduling around weather, and reporting depth. No affiliate revenue, no paid placements on review content.
Sponsored content disclosure
Where a contractor or supplier has paid for a featured directory placement, the placement is clearly marked with a “Sponsored” or “Featured Partner” badge. The contractor’s underlying directory ranking is unchanged by the sponsorship. Sponsored placements do not appear on cost guides, install guides, or news articles.
Corrections policy
If you find a factual error, email editor@hmndp.org. We correct quickly and we date the correction at the bottom of the article.