Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Burlington, VT

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can complete 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 professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which 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 expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Burlington Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaping company 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

Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

You want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Burlington city government. 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Try to find a provider with 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 in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should implement plant life native to your area—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Burlington

Landscaping in Burlington generally costs between $26 and $38 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,598 - $16,797
Landscaping Design	$1,937 - $2,583
Landscaping LandGrading	$415 - $2,489
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,659
Planting Trees	$217 - $363
Sodding	$41 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,523 - $82,956