Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Dayton, OH

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Dayton Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before picking a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Dayton city government. It 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 may also hold 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. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured; most providers have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should choose plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Dayton

Generally, landscaping costs $26–$40 per hour in Dayton. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,485 - $16,647
Landscaping Design	$1,996 - $2,661
Landscaping LandGrading	$418 - $2,510
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,673
Planting Trees	$219 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,789 - $83,655