Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Madison, AL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Madison Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

Look for a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. Your provider 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out 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 negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Madison

Landscaping in Madison generally costs between $23 and $35 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,264 - $16,351
Landscaping Design	$1,762 - $2,349
Landscaping LandGrading	$404 - $2,426
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,618
Planting Trees	$212 - $353
Sodding	$40 - $49
Swimming Pool	$30,736 - $80,883