Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Harrisburg, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires 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 contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Harrisburg Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services can include controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, mowing, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should possess the appropriate licenses from the Harrisburg city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Landscapers typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should implement native plant life—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't impact your 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 to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Harrisburg

In Harrisburg, you can expect to spend roughly $26–$39 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as mowing and gardening. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, 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 landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,260 - $17,680
Landscaping Design	$1,944 - $2,592
Landscaping LandGrading	$415 - $2,491
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,661
Planting Trees	$218 - $363
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,554 - $83,036