Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Philadelphia, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You likely 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 require construction and machinery experience.

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Philadelphia Landscaping Company

Finding the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before picking a company. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, pruning, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company 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 upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should possess the appropriate licenses from the Philadelphia city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider might 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 National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors will usually have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices may include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, you should expect to spend approximately $30–$46 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,936 - $17,248
Landscaping Design	$2,307 - $3,076
Landscaping LandGrading	$437 - $2,620
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $131
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,747
Planting Trees	$229 - $382
Sodding	$44 - $52
Swimming Pool	$33,190 - $87,343