Top Landscaping Contractors in Cary, North Carolina Ranked

Transforming your outdoor space in Cary requires a blend of creative vision and technical expertise. Landscaping contractors are the professionals who bring that balance, managing everything from initial design and hardscape construction to ongoing lawn care and seasonal maintenance. Whether you're looking to enhance curb appeal, create a functional backyard oasis, or solve drainage issues, understanding the local process and service options helps you find the right partner for your property's unique needs.

LandGreen Landscaping Inc.

Barbour Store Rd, Willow Spring, NC 27592

LandGreen Landscaping Inc. is a full-service landscaping company based in Raleigh, NC, serving residential, commercial, and HOA clients in Raleigh and surrounding areas including Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Willow Spring, Angier, Garner, and Apex. They offer a wide range of services such as landscape design, installation of plants, sod, mulch, and rock, as well as year-round lawn maintenance and rehabilitation including core aeration, dethatching, topdressing, and overseeding. The team is licensed, insured, and locally owned, with expertise in North Carolina's climate to provide tailored outdoor solutions that meet specific property needs. LandGreen Landscaping Inc. is also community driven, partnering with local schools and universities to support landscaping education.

5.0

203 Reviews

DreamScapes

4913 Professional Ct, Raleigh, NC 27609

DreamScapes is a landscaping company based in Raleigh, NC, offering a wide range of residential and commercial landscaping services. Their expertise includes lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, sod and artificial turf installation, landscape lighting, design, tree services, yard drainage, sprinkler installation and repair, as well as hardscaping such as pavers and retaining walls. With over fifteen years of experience, DreamScapes serves the greater Raleigh area including Cary, Wake Forest, Durham, and Chapel Hill. They provide customized landscape design and maintenance plans, combining hardscapes, planting, and lighting to meet client needs. DreamScapes sources materials from local high-quality suppliers and is known for attention to detail and comprehensive service. The company does not specify special availability hours.

5.0

169 Reviews

Hunter Excavating

1904 Front St Suite 410, Durham, NC 27705

Hunter Excavating is a locally owned and veteran-operated company based in Durham, NC. They provide a range of services including landscaping, grading, excavation, drainage, and sod installation for both residential and commercial projects. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and clear communication, with a focus on building lasting client relationships. As a Veteran Business Enterprise, Hunter Excavating is managed and controlled by veterans, bringing years of experience to their work.

5.0

148 Reviews

AB Tree Service

Trappers Creek Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614

AB Tree Service is a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, offering a variety of tree care and landscaping services. They provide tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, pruning, and emergency tree services. In addition to tree care, they also specialize in hardscaping, including concrete work and retaining walls. Their team focuses on environmentally responsible practices and personalized solutions for each client. AB Tree Service serves Raleigh and surrounding areas such as Durham, Fayetteville, Cary, and Wilmington.

5.0

135 Reviews

JayBird Tree Service, LLC

raleigh

JayBird Tree Service, LLC is a tree care and landscaping company serving Raleigh, NC, and surrounding areas including Knightdale and Cary. With nine years of industry experience, they provide a range of services such as tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, land clearing, and landscaping. They also offer crane-assisted tree removal for large or hard-to-reach trees and provide 24/7 emergency tree services to address urgent situations. Their approach emphasizes clear communication and attention to detail throughout each project.

5.0

132 Reviews

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The Comprehensive Role of a Cary Landscaper

A landscaping contractor in Cary does much more than just mow lawns or plant flowers. They are project managers and artisans who oversee the complete transformation and care of your yard. This begins with a thorough consultation to understand your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and practical concerns like poor drainage or lack of privacy ^{1 2}. From there, they develop a cohesive plan that integrates softscapes (plants, trees, sod) with hardscapes (patios, walls, walkways) and specialty systems like irrigation and lighting ³. Their expertise ensures that the design is not only beautiful but also sustainable and suited to Cary's specific climate and soil conditions, providing a solid foundation for long-term enjoyment and property value ⁴.

The Typical Project Journey: From Concept to Completion

Engaging a landscape professional follows a structured path to ensure clarity and quality results.

1. Consultation & Site Assessment The process starts with an in-depth meeting. You'll discuss your vision, budget, and functional needs-such as creating play areas, entertaining spaces, or solving erosion problems. The contractor will analyze your site, examining sun exposure, soil type, drainage patterns, and existing structures to inform a realistic plan ^{1 2 5}.

2. Design & Detailed Proposal Next, the contractor creates a custom design. This may include sketches, detailed drawings, or even 3D models to help you visualize the outcome. The accompanying proposal breaks down all elements: plant selections, material types for hardscaping, labor estimates, and a projected timeline. It should also outline any necessary permits for major work ^{3 6}.

3. Plan Approval & Scheduling Once you review the design and quote, you can request adjustments. After final approval, a contract is signed, and a start date is scheduled. This formal agreement protects both parties and sets clear expectations for the project scope and cost ^{1 5}.

4. Installation & Construction This is the implementation phase. It often begins with site preparation, which may include demolition, grading, or land clearing. Contractors then install hardscape features, followed by planting beds, trees, and sod. Finally, they integrate systems like drip irrigation or low-voltage landscape lighting ^{3 6}.

5. Ongoing Maintenance Planning For many homeowners, the relationship continues after installation. Your contractor can establish a maintenance schedule tailored to your new landscape, covering tasks like mowing, pruning, fertilization, and seasonal cleanups to keep everything thriving ^{6 5}.

Core Services Offered by Cary Landscape Companies

Local firms typically offer a suite of services that can be bundled or selected à la carte.

• Design/Build Services: This is a full-service approach for new installations or major renovations. It encompasses master planning, new planting beds, sod or seed installation, and the construction of outdoor living features like kitchens, fire pits, and fireplaces ^{3 7}.
• Landscape Maintenance: This is the ongoing care that preserves your investment. Standard services include weekly or bi-weekly mowing, edging, weeding, mulching, pruning, leaf removal, and applications for pest/disease control and fertilization ^{2 6}.
• Hardscaping: This involves the non-living elements of your yard. Specialists build patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, and decorative stone features using materials like pavers, natural stone, or concrete ^{3 7}.
• Specialty Solutions: Many contractors also address specific technical needs. This includes designing and installing drainage solutions to manage water runoff, automated irrigation systems for efficient watering, and landscape lighting for safety and ambiance ^{3 7}.

Understanding Investment and Value in Cary Landscaping

Costs for landscape services in Cary vary widely based on your property size, the project's complexity, material choices, and the contractor's expertise ^{1 8}. It's always best to get custom quotes for your specific situation. However, understanding general price ranges can help with budgeting.

For routine upkeep, basic weekly lawn care (mowing, edging, and blowing) often ranges from $40 to $60 per visit¹. A more comprehensive monthly maintenance plan, which might include trimming, fertilization, and bed weeding, can range from $70 to $150 or more^{1 8}. One-time seasonal services, like a major spring cleanup or core aeration, typically start around $250 to $450+ per visit^{1 9}.

For new landscape installations, costs are highly project-dependent, ranging from a few thousand dollars for basic bed installations to tens of thousands for extensive hardscaping and outdoor living areas ⁹. It's important to view this as an investment. Well-executed landscape design and installation can offer a significant return, with some projects potentially yielding a 200-400% return on investment by dramatically boosting curb appeal and property value ¹⁰.

Selecting the Right Contractor for Your Home

With many options in the Cary area, making a choice requires some diligence. Start by looking for a contractor whose portfolio aligns with your style. Read reviews and ask for references to gauge reliability and quality of work. Ensure they are properly licensed and insured to protect your property. During consultations, prioritize clear communication-a good contractor will listen to your ideas, offer educated suggestions, and provide a transparent, detailed written estimate. Finally, trust your instincts; choose a partner you feel comfortable communicating with, as a landscape project is a collaborative effort.

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