Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Scottsdale, AZ

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.

You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Scottsdale Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mowing, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaper is the best choice 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 landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Scottsdale city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:

• 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 Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should select native plant life—such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. 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 price.

Landscaping Costs in Scottsdale

Landscaping in Scottsdale generally costs between $26 and $39 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,189 - $17,585
Landscaping Design	$1,962 - $2,616
Landscaping LandGrading	$416 - $2,498
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,665
Planting Trees	$218 - $364
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,636 - $83,252