Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Cary, NC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set 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 costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Cary Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as pruning, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

Look for full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of 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 retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer 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 North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Landscapers normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Your contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Cary

Landscaping in Cary generally costs between $25 and $38 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,107 - $17,476
Landscaping Design	$1,930 - $2,573
Landscaping LandGrading	$414 - $2,486
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,657
Planting Trees	$217 - $362
Sodding	$41 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,492 - $82,875