Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Arlington, MA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local 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 you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Arlington Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Arlington city government. The company may 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, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Landscapers normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Any provider you hire should be fully bonded and insured. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Arlington

Landscaping in Arlington generally costs between $35 and $53 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,537 - $18,049
Landscaping Design	$2,686 - $3,582
Landscaping LandGrading	$459 - $2,755
Landscaping Mulch	$28 - $138
Planting FlowerBeds	$92 - $1,837
Planting Trees	$241 - $401
Sodding	$46 - $55
Swimming Pool	$34,899 - $91,838