Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Baton Rouge, LA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects 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. 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 Baton Rouge Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mulching, controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Louisiana Horticulture Commission. 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 might also have certifications from professional organizations, including 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. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should select native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Baton Rouge

Landscaping typically costs $24–$36 per hour in Baton Rouge, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,622 - $16,829
Landscaping Design	$1,823 - $2,431
Landscaping LandGrading	$408 - $2,448
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,632
Planting Trees	$214 - $357
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,012 - $81,610