Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Decatur, AL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.

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

Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Decatur 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 at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. It may employ 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, including 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. Landscaping contractors typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Your provider should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.

Landscaping Costs in Decatur

Landscaping typically costs $21–$31 per hour in Decatur, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,462 - $16,615
Landscaping Design	$1,580 - $2,107
Landscaping LandGrading	$394 - $2,362
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $118
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,575
Planting Trees	$206 - $344
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,917 - $78,729