Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bowie, MD

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.

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

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bowie Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider'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 choose a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Bowie

Landscaping in Bowie generally costs between $29 and $44 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,776 - $17,034
Landscaping Design	$2,207 - $2,943
Landscaping LandGrading	$431 - $2,585
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $129
Planting FlowerBeds	$86 - $1,723
Planting Trees	$226 - $377
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$32,740 - $86,159