Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Charleston, WV

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.

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're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Charleston Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaper 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 factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the West Virginia Division of Labor. It might also employ 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. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Charleston

Generally, landscaping costs $23–$34 per hour in Charleston. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,468 - $15,291
Landscaping Design	$1,717 - $2,289
Landscaping LandGrading	$402 - $2,410
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$80 - $1,607
Planting Trees	$211 - $351
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,531 - $80,345