Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Austin, TX

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

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 looking for a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers 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 offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Austin Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Austin city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

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

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscapers should have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Your provider should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plants (such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Austin

Landscaping in Austin generally costs between $29 and $44 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,899 - $18,532
Landscaping Design	$2,221 - $2,961
Landscaping LandGrading	$432 - $2,590
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $129
Planting FlowerBeds	$86 - $1,726
Planting Trees	$226 - $377
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$32,802 - $86,320