Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Norfolk, VA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. 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.

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 looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Norfolk Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Norfolk 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 may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Norfolk

Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in Norfolk, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,349 - $16,465
Landscaping Design	$2,030 - $2,707
Landscaping LandGrading	$420 - $2,522
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,681
Planting Trees	$220 - $367
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,943 - $84,059