Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Ocala, FL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose 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 attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Ocala Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Ocala 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 National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Ocala

Landscaping in Ocala generally costs between $21 and $32 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,130 - $16,174
Landscaping Design	$1,596 - $2,128
Landscaping LandGrading	$395 - $2,368
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $118
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,578
Planting Trees	$207 - $345
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,989 - $78,918