Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Blacksburg, VA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery 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 basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you 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 Blacksburg Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, 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

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

You want a full-service landscaper 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 adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Blacksburg 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

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors 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

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide 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, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Blacksburg

Landscaping in Blacksburg generally costs between $21 and $32 per hour. These figures 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. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,530 - $16,706
Landscaping Design	$1,598 - $2,131
Landscaping LandGrading	$395 - $2,368
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $118
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,579
Planting Trees	$207 - $345
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,999 - $78,945