Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Summerville, SC

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, 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 architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Summerville Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Summerville city government. The company may have the following certified staff members:

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

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and may even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.

Landscaping Costs in Summerville

Landscaping typically costs $22–$33 per hour in Summerville, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type: