Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Jacksonville, FL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.

You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Jacksonville Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors 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 Jacksonville city government. 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 might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

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, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Jacksonville

Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Jacksonville. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,120 - $16,160
Landscaping Design	$1,810 - $2,413
Landscaping LandGrading	$407 - $2,443
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,629
Planting Trees	$213 - $356
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$30,950 - $81,448