Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Arlington, VA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.

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 explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Arlington Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mowing, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal 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 fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Arlington 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Most contractors have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Arlington

Landscaping in Arlington generally costs between $30 and $45 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,206 - $17,608
Landscaping Design	$2,248 - $2,997
Landscaping LandGrading	$433 - $2,599
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $130
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,733
Planting Trees	$227 - $379
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$32,924 - $86,643