Best 5 Landscaping Companies in New Orleans, LA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an New Orleans Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

You'll need full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Louisiana Horticulture Commission. Your provider 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured; most providers have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in New Orleans

In New Orleans, you can expect to pay roughly $26–$40 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,335 - $16,447
Landscaping Design	$2,005 - $2,673
Landscaping LandGrading	$419 - $2,513
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,675
Planting Trees	$219 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,830 - $83,763