A lot of landscapers assume liens are only for builders. In Texas, that's not true. The Property Code specifically gives lien rights to anyone who furnishes labor, plants or supplies for landscaping, including retention ponds, retaining walls, berms, irrigation systems and fountains (§ 53.021). If you installed it and didn't get paid, you may have a lien.
Where payment breaks down for landscaping contractors
- Landscaping is the last trade on site, so the budget is gone by the time you bill.
- Plants die after install and owners use it as a reason not to pay.
- Commercial site work gets held until the whole project closes.
- Irrigation and hardscape add-ons get approved verbally and disputed later.
Your lien rights as a landscaping contractor
Your lien rights in Texas come from the same statute as everyone else's, with landscaping named specifically. On a commercial site you're usually a sub to the GC, so monthly notices apply. On a homeowner's yard you're the original contractor, and homestead contract rules apply if it's their primary home.
The Texas deadlines that apply to you
For original contracts signed on or after January 1, 2022, a sub or supplier sends a notice of claim to the owner and the original contractor by the 15th day of the 3rd month after each month of unpaid work, or the 2nd month on a residential job (Tex. Prop. Code § 53.056). The lien affidavit is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your last month of work, or the 3rd month on a residential job (§ 53.052). A contractor hired directly by the owner sends no pre-lien notice and counts from the month the original contract was completed, terminated or abandoned. If a deadline lands on a weekend or legal holiday, it moves to the next business day (§ 53.003(e)). Full Texas deadline guide → · Deadline calculator →
Residential or commercial? Texas uses its shorter residential deadlines when the home is owned and lived in (or meant to be lived in) by the owner, under the Property Code's definition of a residence (§ 53.001). A new home still owned by a builder can fall under the longer commercial deadlines. We check which set applies before we file.
What to keep for every job
- Plant and material lists with delivery dates
- Irrigation and hardscape change orders
- Photos at completion
- Watering and care instructions you gave the owner
Outside Texas?
We file liens for landscaping contractors in 18 states, in any county. Each state has its own notices and deadlines. See the states we serve →
Lien deadline passed or the lien didn't pay?
The debt is still owed. We collect unpaid construction invoices on contingency, 10% to 33%, with no charge if we don't collect. See construction collections →
Pricing and turnaround
Liens are $199 to $500, and that includes recording fees, notarizing and serving. Pre-lien notices are $100. Typical turnaround is 2 business days, and there's no minimum claim amount. Collections run on contingency, 10% to 33%, with no charge if we don't collect. Call (469) 694-8003, Monday through Friday, 8am to 7pm.
Other trades we file for
Roofing Contractors · Concrete Contractors · Plumbing Contractors · Electrical Contractors · HVAC Contractors · Painting Contractors · Fencing Contractors · Flooring Contractors · Drywall Contractors · Lumber and Building Material Suppliers · Equipment Rental Companies
Frequently asked questions
Can landscapers file a mechanics lien in Texas?
Yes. Texas Property Code § 53.021 specifically covers labor, plants and supplies for landscaping, including retaining walls, berms, irrigation, ponds and fountains.
The plants died and the owner won't pay. Can I lien?
You can still protect your claim with a lien. Whether the owner has a valid offset is a separate question.
Is irrigation work lienable?
Yes. Irrigation systems are specifically listed in the Texas statute.
This page is general information, not legal advice. LevelSet Collections is not a law firm; we prepare and file liens and notices as agent for the claimant. Deadlines change and depend on the facts of your job, so confirm your dates with us before relying on them.
Owed money as a landscaping contractor?
Liens $199 to $500, recording, notarizing and serving included. Usually filed in 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
