Best 5 Landscaping Companies in North Charleston, SC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an North Charleston Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the North Charleston city government. The company may employ the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors will usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

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. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (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

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in North Charleston

Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in North Charleston, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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