Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Columbus, OH

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional construction and machinery expertise.

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

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Columbus Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.

Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Columbus city government. 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including 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. Landscapers normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Your contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably 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 an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.

Landscaping Costs in Columbus

Landscaping typically costs $29–$43 per hour in Columbus, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,141 - $17,521
Landscaping Design	$2,171 - $2,894
Landscaping LandGrading	$429 - $2,572
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $129
Planting FlowerBeds	$86 - $1,715
Planting Trees	$225 - $375
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,577 - $85,728