Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lancaster, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lancaster Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Lancaster city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might employ 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should opt for native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make 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 help negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Lancaster

Landscaping in Lancaster generally costs between $24 and $37 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,909 - $17,212
Landscaping Design	$1,846 - $2,461
Landscaping LandGrading	$409 - $2,456
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $123
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,638
Planting Trees	$215 - $358
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,114 - $81,879