Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Pittsburgh, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Pittsburgh Landscaping Company

Hiring 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

Have an idea of what services you need before picking a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mulching, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Pittsburgh 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 lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping contractors typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully bonded and insured. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. 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. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Pittsburgh

In Pittsburgh, you can expect to spend around $26–$39 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,376 - $16,502
Landscaping Design	$1,953 - $2,604
Landscaping LandGrading	$416 - $2,494
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,663
Planting Trees	$218 - $363
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,595 - $83,144