Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Atlanta, GA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional. Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Atlanta Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

• Services Offered

  Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services. Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company 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, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.

• Licensing and Experience

  Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Atlanta city government. It may have the following certified staff members:

  • 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, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping contractors normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Any provider you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

• Reputation and Reviews

  We suggest checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.

• Work Portfolio

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

• Sustainability Practices

  Sustainability practices might include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

• Cost

  Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.