Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Columbia, SC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.

You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain 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 costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Columbia Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Columbia city government. It might also 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, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors usually 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 look at 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

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Columbia

Generally, landscaping costs $22–$32 per hour in Columbia. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,957 - $18,609
Landscaping Design	$1,635 - $2,180
Landscaping LandGrading	$397 - $2,381
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $119
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,588
Planting Trees	$208 - $347
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,163 - $79,376