Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Durham, NC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You likely 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.

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects 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. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Durham Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of 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, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, 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 lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. It 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. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Landscaping contractors typically have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury. Your provider should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should use native plant life (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 multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. 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 Durham

In Durham, you should expect to pay roughly $23–$34 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than simpler tasks such as mowing and gardening. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,574 - $16,766
Landscaping Design	$1,717 - $2,289
Landscaping LandGrading	$402 - $2,410
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$80 - $1,607
Planting Trees	$211 - $351
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,531 - $80,345