Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lawrence, MA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lawrence Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Lawrence 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 may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded; most providers have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. 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

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

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Lawrence

Landscaping typically costs $33–$49 per hour in Lawrence, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,134 - $17,512
Landscaping Design	$2,480 - $3,306
Landscaping LandGrading	$447 - $2,682
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $134
Planting FlowerBeds	$89 - $1,788
Planting Trees	$234 - $391
Sodding	$45 - $54
Swimming Pool	$33,968 - $89,389