Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Tempe, AZ

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. 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.

You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Tempe Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Tempe city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

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

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. 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

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should choose native plant life (such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Tempe

Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in Tempe, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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