Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Charleston, SC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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, we recommend hiring a landscaper.

Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Charleston Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

You need a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, 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 have the appropriate licenses from the Charleston city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. 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 may also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

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 ensure 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

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare rates and services and may even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Charleston

In Charleston, you can expect to spend around $28–$42 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,052 - $17,403
Landscaping Design	$2,103 - $2,804
Landscaping LandGrading	$425 - $2,548
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $127
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,698
Planting Trees	$222 - $371
Sodding	$42 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,270 - $84,921