Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Knoxville, TN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, 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 adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor 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 Knoxville Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. 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 might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Knoxville

Generally, landscaping costs $24–$37 per hour in Knoxville. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,417 - $16,556
Landscaping Design	$1,851 - $2,467
Landscaping LandGrading	$410 - $2,458
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $123
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,639
Planting Trees	$215 - $358
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,134 - $81,933