Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Portsmouth, 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 intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Portsmouth Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include pruning, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Portsmouth city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:

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

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most contractors have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Portsmouth

Landscaping typically costs $21–$32 per hour in Portsmouth, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,574 - $15,432
Landscaping Design	$1,605 - $2,140
Landscaping LandGrading	$395 - $2,371
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $119
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,581
Planting Trees	$207 - $345
Sodding	$40 - $47
Swimming Pool	$30,030 - $79,026