Northern Virginia Landscaping Companies

Landscape Design Services

The first step in designing a long-lasting landscape is having a complete and well-thought-out plan. You may want to start formulating your landscaping dream before talking to a contractor so that you can coherently communicate your goals, time frame, and budget.

The landscaping company you choose can help develop and clarify the details of the plan to create the feeling and look appropriate for your budget, desired function for the space, and yard conditions. Landscape design can generally be divided into two types of features: hardscapes and softscapes.

Softscape design

Your landscape designer can help you determine what softscape, or natural, elements will create the look you want. There is a huge range of trees, shrubs, and flowers to choose from, and an expert can narrow down the choices to plants that will work best in your space. When planning softscapes, your landscaper will take the following factors into consideration:

• Soil type
• Amount of light
• Water restrictions
• Climate

Northern Virginia is in USDA hardiness zones 6b through 7b, and a professional landscape contractor will know which plants will thrive here. Consider asking your contractor about native plants, since these are already suited to your climate and soil conditions. For example, the flowering dogwood—native to the eastern region of the country—is Virginia’s state flower and could make a lovely addition to your yard.

Hardscape design

Landscape contractors can also design and build hard features such as patios, walkways, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and other structures that add functionality to the landscape and take your space to the next level. Some landscaping companies have masons on staff for this type of work, while others hire subcontractors for this work.

• Patios are great for outdoor entertaining, as they provide a level space for seating, tables, and grills.
• Walkways can help you preserve your grass while allowing family and friends to move easily through your outdoor space.
• A fireplace or fire pit extends your outdoor time into colder months when you’d normally be stuck inside.

Discuss your plans and desired functions for your outdoor space with a landscaping designer to determine if you want to add hardscape elements to your plans.

Professional Landscaping in Virginia

The benefits of professional landscaping services

A beautiful front yard or a functional and attractive entertaining space out back can bring you a lot of enjoyment and pride. Well-designed landscaping can increase your home’s curb appeal and value, so call a Northern Virginia landscaping professional to help you get it right. Local landscaping companies have valuable knowledge of the region’s climate and soil conditions that will affect the success of your landscaping project.

Landscaping also involves a lot of time, planning, and manual labor. You’ll want to be involved in the planning, but you might not be inclined to spend hours digging, dumping mulch, or doing masonry work. Let a professional help you develop your plans, and then sit back and relax while they create your dream yard.

Hiring a professional landscaping company in Virginia

While Virginia does not require landscapers to be licensed—the state only regulates landscape architects—there are many landscaping industry organizations. Ask if your landscaper is a member of or is certified with any regional or national landscape organizations.

Get a fully detailed design from your landscape design company before starting construction to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same page. Once you’ve discussed your ideas and worked out a plan with the designer, you and the project supervisor should both receive a plan or drawing of the project.

Before any work begins, sign a contract with the landscaping company. Make sure the scope of work in the contract matches the work indicated in the drawings the designer gave you.

The Best Picks for Landscaping Contractors in Northern Virginia

Best Pick Reports has conducted research on the landscaping companies serving Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, and based on our interviews with homeowners, we have compiled a list of the best professionals in your neighborhood.

From these interviews, we get a full picture of the most competent, experienced, and timely landscaping companies in the Northern Virginia area, and we are proud to present that information in a format that is easy for homeowners to consult. Our objective research is conducted annually, and we can guarantee that the companies presented here are the best of the best. Call a Best Pick landscaping professional today, and say hello to your dream landscape tomorrow.