Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Rockville, MD

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Rockville Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including pruning, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might employ 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. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded; most contractors have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Rockville

Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Rockville, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

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