Best 5 Landscaping Companies in North Bethesda, MD

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create 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 costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an North Bethesda Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• 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. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Your contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in North Bethesda

Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in North Bethesda. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,615 - $18,154
Landscaping Design	$2,130 - $2,840
Landscaping LandGrading	$426 - $2,557
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,705
Planting Trees	$223 - $373
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,393 - $85,244