Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Seattle, WA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Seattle Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, pruning, and mowing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing 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. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Seattle 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, such as 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 insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should use native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Seattle

Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Seattle. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,963 - $17,284
Landscaping Design	$2,291 - $3,055
Landscaping LandGrading	$436 - $2,615
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $131
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,743
Planting Trees	$228 - $381
Sodding	$44 - $52
Swimming Pool	$33,119 - $87,155