Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Philadelphia, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Philadelphia Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Philadelphia 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 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 can add to a provider's credibility. Landscaping contractors normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any provider you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider 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 affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Philadelphia

Landscaping typically costs $30–$46 per hour in Philadelphia, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,936 - $17,248
Landscaping Design	$2,307 - $3,076
Landscaping LandGrading	$437 - $2,620
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $131
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,747
Planting Trees	$229 - $382
Sodding	$44 - $52
Swimming Pool	$33,190 - $87,343