What Is Included in Full-Service Landscaping?
Introduction: Why Full-Service Landscaping Matters
Landscaping is more than planting flowers or mowing the lawn. For homeowners and property managers looking to enhance curb appeal, increase property value, or create a stunning outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment, full-service landscaping offers a streamlined, professional solution.
But what exactly is included in full-service landscaping? And how do you know if it’s the right option for your property?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything that full-service landscaping entails—from design and installation to maintenance and seasonal care—so you know what to expect when hiring a landscaping company or investing in your outdoor space.
What Does “Full-Service” Landscaping Mean?
Full-service landscaping means a company handles every aspect of your landscape, offering design, installation, and maintenance under one roof. It’s a one-stop shop for your entire yard, combining creativity, technical know-how, and long-term care into a single professional service.
Rather than hiring different contractors for different tasks (like irrigation, tree planting, or lawn mowing), full-service landscapers manage it all.
This level of service often includes:
Initial consultation & landscape design
Hardscaping (patios, retaining walls, walkways)
Softscaping (plants, sod, trees, flower beds)
Irrigation systems
Lighting design and installation
Ongoing landscape maintenance
Seasonal services (spring/fall cleanup, snow removal)
Outdoor living features (kitchens, fire pits, pergolas)
Initial Consultation & Landscape Design
Every great outdoor transformation begins with a well-thought-out plan.
What to Expect:
Site assessment: A designer or project manager visits your property to understand the space, measure areas, evaluate soil, lighting, drainage, and slopes.
Client goals discussion: This step is highly collaborative—professionals learn about your aesthetic preferences, lifestyle needs (kids, pets, entertaining), and budget.
Conceptual designs: Sketches or 3D renderings show you what the finished landscape could look like.
Plant and material selection: Experts guide you on the best plants, trees, turf, mulch, stone, or pavers for your region and style.
Permitting & approvals: If required, your landscaping company handles building permits or HOA approval processes.
Bonus: Some full-service companies even use drone footage or CAD software for top-tier design precision.
Hardscaping Services
Hardscaping refers to the non-plant elements in your yard—the structural and architectural features that define outdoor living spaces.
Common Hardscape Features:
Patios and decks
Walkways and paver paths
Retaining walls
Driveways
Pergolas and gazebos
Water features (fountains, ponds)
Outdoor fire pits or fireplaces
Full-service landscapers will manage the entire process, from excavation and base preparation to final installation and finishing.
Softscaping Services
Softscaping is the green and living side of landscaping—everything from grass to flower beds.
Included in Softscaping:
Soil preparation and grading
Sod installation or hydroseeding
Tree, shrub, and flower planting
Mulching
Garden bed design
Seasonal planting or container gardens
A full-service landscaper selects plants that complement your climate, light conditions, and long-term maintenance needs. They also install root barriers, plant supports, and amendments to improve soil health.
Irrigation Systems
One of the greatest advantages of full-service landscaping is professional irrigation system design and installation.
Irrigation Services May Include:
Sprinkler systems
Drip irrigation for gardens
Rain sensors and timers
Smart irrigation controllers
System winterization and spring startup
Leak detection and repairs
Efficient irrigation saves water, protects your investment in plants and grass, and ensures your yard stays healthy without overwatering or underwatering.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting adds both safety and ambiance to your outdoor space.
Lighting Services Include:
Low-voltage LED lighting installation
Path and walkway lights
Uplighting for trees and architecture
Deck and patio lighting
Motion-activated security lights
Timer or app-controlled lighting systems
Many full-service landscaping companies will provide lighting plans that complement your hardscape and plantings to create an immersive nighttime atmosphere.
Lawn and Garden Maintenance
Landscaping isn’t a one-and-done job. A full-service team often includes routine maintenance to keep your yard looking great year-round.
Common Maintenance Services:
Mowing and edging
Weed control and fertilizing
Aeration and dethatching
Pruning and trimming
Tree care and health inspections
Lawn pest control
Seasonal flower rotation
Mulch refreshes
Maintenance packages may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, and can be customized to include just the basics or full horticultural care.
Seasonal Cleanups
Nature is constantly changing, and your landscape needs a little extra attention in the spring and fall to stay in top shape.
Spring Services:
Leaf removal
Fertilizer application
Bed edging and mulching
Lawn seeding or sod repairs
Irrigation startup
Fall Services:
Leaf cleanup
Final mowing
Plant cutbacks and winterizing
Irrigation blowouts
Holiday lighting or decor setup
Some companies also offer snow removal in the winter as part of their year-round package.
Outdoor Living Features
For those dreaming of a backyard built for entertaining or relaxing, full-service landscapers can build stunning outdoor living areas.
Common Features:
Outdoor kitchens with grills, sinks, or pizza ovens
Built-in seating and shade structures
Fire pits or fireplaces
Pools and hot tubs
Outdoor bars or dining areas
Custom garden structures (arbors, trellises, fences)
Your landscaping company may collaborate with masons, electricians, and plumbers to create a seamless and code-compliant installation.
Specialized Services That May Be Included
Depending on the company, you may also gain access to:
Erosion control and drainage systems
Stormwater management
Sustainable or xeriscaping options
Green roof or living wall installation
Garden coaching or horticultural consultations
Compost delivery or soil testing
Commercial Landscaping Services
If you manage a business, apartment complex, or HOA, full-service landscaping may also include:
Landscape planning and installation for new developments
Parking lot and pathway maintenance
Year-round snow and ice management
Pressure washing for walkways and entrances
Litter pickup and seasonal displays
Many full-service landscape companies offer dedicated commercial crews and contracts for consistent care and presentation.
The Benefits of Full-Service Landscaping
Why choose full-service over piecemeal or DIY approaches?
Consistency: The same team understands your property inside and out.
Efficiency: Fewer scheduling delays or gaps in care.
Expertise: Access to certified designers, horticulturists, arborists, and technicians.
One point of contact: No need to manage multiple contractors.
Better results: Design and maintenance work together for long-lasting beauty and health.
It’s also easier to plan phased projects when everything is coordinated under one company.
How Much Does Full-Service Landscaping Cost?
Pricing depends on yard size, design complexity, plant and material selection, and ongoing service needs. Here’s a rough idea:
Service Typical Cost Range Full design & install $5,000 – $50,000+ Monthly maintenance $100 – $500+ Irrigation system $2,000 – $5,000 Patio or hardscape installation $10 – $30 per square foot Outdoor lighting $2,000 – $6,000
Ask your landscaper for an itemized quote or a custom seasonal plan to match your budget.
How to Choose the Right Full-Service Landscaping Company
Look for a company that offers:
Licensed and insured services
Experienced landscape designers on staff
Transparent contracts and pricing
Portfolio of past work
Positive online reviews or referrals
Year-round service availability
Customizable plans based on your needs
Don’t be afraid to ask for a design consultation and walk-through before committing.
Conclusion: Invest in a Landscape You Love
Full-service landscaping takes the stress and guesswork out of outdoor care. From the very first consultation to ongoing maintenance, you get a cohesive, professional experience tailored to your home, climate, and lifestyle.
Whether you want a stunning backyard for entertaining, low-maintenance curb appeal, or a full property transformation, working with a full-service landscaping company ensures your yard is designed beautifully—and cared for all year long.
