Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Richmond, VA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Richmond Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Richmond 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors will usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plants (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

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

Landscaping Costs in Richmond

Landscaping in Richmond generally costs between $29 and $43 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,581 - $16,775
Landscaping Design	$2,182 - $2,910
Landscaping LandGrading	$429 - $2,576
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $129
Planting FlowerBeds	$86 - $1,717
Planting Trees	$225 - $375
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$32,628 - $85,863