Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Columbia, MD

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.

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

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Columbia Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. 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 may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Most providers have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices will include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your contractor 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 services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. 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 deal.

Landscaping Costs in Columbia

In Columbia, you can expect to pay roughly $32–$48 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,578 - $18,104
Landscaping Design	$2,402 - $3,203
Landscaping LandGrading	$442 - $2,654
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $133
Planting FlowerBeds	$88 - $1,769
Planting Trees	$232 - $387
Sodding	$44 - $53
Swimming Pool	$33,620 - $88,474