Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Boston, MA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.

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

Professional landscape architects and designers have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Boston Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

You'll want full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Boston city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Boston

Generally, landscaping costs $36–$54 per hour in Boston. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total 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. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,834 - $18,445
Landscaping Design	$2,730 - $3,639
Landscaping LandGrading	$462 - $2,770
Landscaping Mulch	$28 - $139
Planting FlowerBeds	$92 - $1,847
Planting Trees	$242 - $404
Sodding	$46 - $55
Swimming Pool	$35,093 - $92,350