Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Wilmington, DE

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Wilmington 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 considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Wilmington 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 might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as 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. Landscapers should have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury. Your provider should be fully bonded and insured. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Try to find a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should choose plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Wilmington

Generally, landscaping costs $28–$43 per hour in Wilmington. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,840 - $17,121
Landscaping Design	$2,146 - $2,861
Landscaping LandGrading	$427 - $2,563
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,709
Planting Trees	$224 - $373
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,464 - $85,432