Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Salem, MA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You likely 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 require 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 consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn 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 develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Salem Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before picking a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions 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 landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can 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 various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Salem city government. Your provider 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider 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 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

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Salem

In Salem, you should expect to pay approximately $33–$49 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

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