Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Albany, GA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional machinery and construction expertise.

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

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create 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 Albany Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Albany city government. It may also have 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, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read 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 delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

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 images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Albany

Landscaping typically costs $20–$31 per hour in Albany, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,629 - $15,505
Landscaping Design	$1,544 - $2,059
Landscaping LandGrading	$391 - $2,349
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $117
Planting FlowerBeds	$78 - $1,566
Planting Trees	$205 - $342
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,754 - $78,299