Residential landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot, depending on the job's size and requirements. Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for smaller jobs like lawn care or tree trimming. Large landscape design and installation services cost $3,000 to $15,000. Landscaping maintenance costs $100 to $200 per month.

Landscaping contractors build and install hardscaping or softscaping design plans, maintain plantings, trimming the grass and trees, mulching, weeding, and other tasks to keep the landscape looking great. Licensed landscapers are experts in soil drainage, grading, irrigation, and choosing the best plants and materials for your area. Residential landscape companies also pull permits and design plans that comply with building codes.

Knowing the different types of professional landscapers is important before hiring. These roles tend to overlap as most landscaping contractors offer many services.

• Landscape designers and architects design and plan functional landscapes, residential areas, and gardens to give you an idea of the placement of trees, shrubs, and perennials.
• Landscape contractors implement the landscaping design plan and may also create designs themselves.
• Landscape gardeners provide landscape maintenance and lawn care after installation.

Landscapers do not expect a tip. However, if the landscaping crew goes above and beyond or spends more time than expected, a tip is appreciated.

Proper landscaping is worth the upfront cost and can increase a home's value by 5% to 20%. The return on investment depends on the landscaping design and the plant size, maturity, and diversity. Updating and installing new landscaping counts as a tax-deductible capital improvement for commercial properties.

Start by searching our list of landscapers near you. After researching and contacting potential candidates:

• Compare at least three estimates from professional landscapers.
• Select landscaping companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
• Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
• Ask for a written contract, warranty, and detailed estimate.
• Be cautious of cheap landscapers as quality may suffer.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the most affordable and best landscaper near you.

When looking for the best landscapers, ask the following questions:

• How long have you been a landscaping contractor?
• What do your landscaping services include?
• Are you and your employees licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Are the workers your employees or subcontractors?
• What license(s), training, and affiliations do you have?
• Do you charge by the hour or by the project?
• How many similar projects have you completed?
• Can you provide me with references or customer referrals?
• What can you start and finish the landscaping work?
• Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
• What happens if you go over budget or there's changes to material price?
• Do you offer work guarantees?
• What do I need to provide to get started?

Some landscaping companies offer in-house financing for large projects. Otherwise, there are home improvement loans or general personal loans available. However, the interest rate on landscaping loans is high, making your project more expensive.