Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Raleigh, NC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Raleigh Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. It may also have 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, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will typically have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Raleigh

In Raleigh, you can expect to spend roughly $25–$38 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. 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