Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Ellicott City, MD

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction 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, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Ellicott City Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

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 can include pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.

A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you want 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 gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. It might also 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, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see 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

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 current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Ellicott City

Generally, landscaping costs $32–$48 per hour in Ellicott City. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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