Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Birmingham, AL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.

You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Birmingham Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Choose a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. The company may 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded; most contractors have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Birmingham

Generally, landscaping costs $26–$38 per hour in Birmingham. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,479 - $17,972
Landscaping Design	$1,932 - $2,576
Landscaping LandGrading	$415 - $2,487
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,658
Planting Trees	$217 - $362
Sodding	$41 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,503 - $82,902