Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lafayette, LA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works 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 lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lafayette Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mulching, mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.

You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, 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 have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Louisiana Horticulture Commission. It may employ 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors will typically have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check 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 company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Request to see 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 for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Lafayette

Generally, landscaping costs $22–$33 per hour in Lafayette. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,943 - $15,924
Landscaping Design	$1,673 - $2,231
Landscaping LandGrading	$399 - $2,395
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $120
Planting FlowerBeds	$80 - $1,597
Planting Trees	$209 - $349
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,337 - $79,833