Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Wilmington, NC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require 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 is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a 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 create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Wilmington Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

You'll need 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. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, 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 North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. Your provider may 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, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Wilmington

Landscaping typically costs $23–$35 per hour in Wilmington, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,400 - $16,533
Landscaping Design	$1,753 - $2,337
Landscaping LandGrading	$404 - $2,423
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,616
Planting Trees	$212 - $353
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,695 - $80,775