Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Baton Rouge, LA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Baton Rouge Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Louisiana Horticulture Commission. It may also have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured; most providers have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should choose plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Baton Rouge

Landscaping typically costs $24–$36 per hour in Baton Rouge, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,622 - $16,829
Landscaping Design	$1,823 - $2,431
Landscaping LandGrading	$408 - $2,448
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,632
Planting Trees	$214 - $357
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,012 - $81,610