landscaping · 20 min read

Top 10 Landscaping Companies in Durham, North Carolina

Discover the 10 best landscaping companies in Durham, NC for lawn care, planting, and outdoor projects

September 11, 2026

By Valeria Navarro

landscapinglocaldurhamnorth carolinahiring a landscaper
Landscaping crew working in the front yard of a brick colonial home

Homeowners in Durham, North Carolina should call a local landscaping company for help with lawns, planting, or outdoor projects. Hiring a landscaper usually means a crew handles mowing, planting, hardscaping, or maintenance, depending on your needs. The right company can keep your yard healthy and looking sharp, even in Durham’s humid summers and unpredictable winters.

Durham yards have their own rhythm. Summers come in hot and sticky, and the clay soil holds water until it doesn’t, then cracks wide open by July. Winters can swing from mild to icy, and dogwoods bloom right when you need a little hope.

Lawns here fight weeds and brown patch, and you’ll see azaleas, crape myrtles, and pines in every neighborhood. Drainage is a real thing, and so is red clay tracked onto your porch. If you want a yard that looks good year-round, you need a pro who knows North Carolina soil and seasons.

Who are the best landscaping companies in Durham?

Ordered by Google rating weighted against the number of ratings, so a long record of good work outranks a handful of perfect scores. This is a ranking of public feedback, not an endorsement.

1. Agape Lawn Company

4.7 stars from 449 Google reviews.

Agape Lawn Company handles all the essentials for a healthy, manicured lawn in Durham. They offer fertilization, weed control, aeration, overseeding, mowing, yard cleanups, and trimming for trees and shrubs. Their team provides regular maintenance to keep your grass and landscape in top shape year-round.

What customers say:

Agape lawn services transformed our lawn and garden areas into a beautiful, peaceful spring setting. They brought a team of four who worked very hard cleaning debris, planting bushes, and spreading mulch at our home. Just lovely!

Chris Rudd, 5 months ago

The berm in my back yard was upgraded and looks lovely! Mike did the original planning. The men who did the work (Ignacio, Chris, and Armando) did a great job, made appropriate suggestions, and cleaned up everything when they were finished! Thanks to all!

Lynne Trussell, 4 months ago

Great communication from the Agape team. They were prompt in responses and forthright in cost. Juan & Diego did an excellent job with the landscaping work. Looking forward to seeing my lawn next year after all the effort put in.

R. Leroy, 4 months ago

2. Nazo Landscaping Inc

4.7 stars from 236 Google reviews.

Nazo Landscaping Inc supplies a wide variety of plants, trees, and landscaping materials at competitive prices in North Carolina. Their services include installation and engineering for a full range of landscaping needs. They help customers with both the materials and the know-how to complete outdoor projects.

What customers say:

Phillip and his team were top-notch in the design and installation of our front yard. Nazo Landscaping's plant quality and selection are unmatched. Phillip's knowledge of his plants is very special. I was impressed with how Phillip's love of his plants, coupled with his deep experience, came together in our front yard's design, at a really good price. He expertly took into account our home's character, the plant selection's beauty and the long-term care needs for us. Hats off to Phillip and his team!

John Heffernan, 3 months ago

Mr. Nazo and his crew went above and beyond to fit me into their busy schedule on short notice and deliver 25 yards of high-quality designer walnut dyed mulch right on time for a project with a tight deadline. From start to finish, they were incredibly accommodating, professional, and easy to work with. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers and take pride in what they do. Everything showed up exactly as promised, and the quality of the mulch was excellent. Great people, great service—I’ll definitely be working with them again and highly recommend them to anyone needing reliable mulch delivery.

Josue, 5 months ago

We needed some advice we end up getting the best service along with all the beautiful plants and 2 Japanese red maple trees we were told to choose and coordinate for our yard especially the Cedar tree and the Olive tree all looks awesome…thank you Mr Nazo and your staff amazing hard work .

Patti's cafe, a month ago

3. Wood Brothers Landscaping

5.0 stars from 112 Google reviews.

Wood Brothers Landscaping focuses on commercial properties, providing full-service landscaping, property maintenance, grading, hardscaping, and land clearing. They manage hotel properties in Chapel Hill and nearby areas, keeping businesses looking professional and well-maintained. Their services are designed for reliability and consistency.

What customers say:

Great locally owned business! John and his team put in our new lawn this fall after several years of having a mud pit with zero grass. Our lot is heavily shaded and John was able to provide a solution that allowed grass to come in even with little direct sunlight. We are now just 5 weeks in from initially seeding and it’s looking great! Definitely give these guys a call. They are from Chapel Hill originally and I’m sure will continue to grow in this area and be around for a long time. Before and after photos attached.

Ben Berger, 9 months ago

John was excellent to work with. He came out and gave us a fair estimate and was able to start the next day. We had our driveway graded & resurfaced. His team was professional, efficient and thorough. I would definitely recommend Wood Brothers Landscaping. Thanks, John! Additionally, our 4 year old grandson enjoyed every minute. Before & after photos (with a cute grandson)

Susan Byrne, 3 years ago

John and his team did an outstanding job on creating an extension of our driveway border. They made the effort to perfectly match the existing border and replace river stones that were washed out with a recent tropical storm. The team was very professional, showing up exactly when they promised. They left the property clean. This is the second time that I have used Wood Brothers Landscaping but it won't be the last. I highly recommend. Tim (Chapel Hill)

Tim Feltes, 11 months ago

4. Grow It Yourself

4.9 stars from 78 Google reviews.

What customers say:

We were looking to have raised beds installed in a section of our fenced in yard, and enclose it/deer-proof it. Noam was great to work with! At our consultation, when going over design, Noam was creative with the use of space and suggested planting blackberry and blueberry trees close to the fence line as both plants' vines will need something to cling to anyways. When we booked with Noam, it didn't take long to get on their calendar and the project took 2 days to complete. Noam and his crew were reliable, personable, and communicated updates/questions throughout the project. We're excited to start planting vegetables next month in the raise beds, and can't wait for the blueberries and blackberries to come in! We highly recommend Noam and his crew to bring your veggie garden plans to life!

Courtney Meyer, 6 months ago

Grow It Yourself did a fantastic job with our front yard. Noam came out twice because we changed our front yard plans after some more thought of the look we were going for - pollinator garden with a dry rock bed as well as a rain barrel install. Noam’s knowledge and experience in the business are absolutely top-notch. He is incredibly accommodating and went above and beyond to make sure we were happy with every detail. Maria was amazing — she took the time to carefully choose our plants to get what we wanted. Highly recommend this team if you’re looking for quality, thoughtful service, and a crew that truly goes the extra mile! 🌱

L F, 11 months ago

Grow It Yourself helped us with hardscaping, weeding, and mulching our yard. We have been trying to keep up with our yard ourselves and had fallen behind - Grow It Yourself came in, worked hard for three days, and has our yard in PRISTINE condition. They are reasonably priced, kind, responsive, and hard working. Noam checked in with us constantly to make sure everything was going well. And Maria was so kind with both of our dogs that loved to come and say hello. I am so grateful for the service they provided.

Anne Dorsey, 6 months ago

5. Kiefer Landscaping Inc

4.5 stars from 94 Google reviews.

Kiefer Landscaping Inc grows their own plants and trees at a certified nursery in Durham, offering unique and hard-to-find varieties. Their horticulturists work together to match the right plant to every landscape. Plants are grown with minimal pesticides, making them tough and ready for local conditions.

What customers say:

This was the most amazing nursery we have ever been too. The staff was awesome, plant selection unbelievable!!! We also specifically needed aquatic plants and then had 10 above ground pools with aquatics it was great. The way they also designed the nursery was spectacular. This will be our go-to plant place from now on.

Christine Adams, 2 months ago

Wowza. Are negative stars available? Terrible customer service from the new landscaping design consultant. If you want professional help with your garden, look elsewhere. I believe the owner of this business used to do the landscaping consultation services, but has now hired out the work to a subcontractor. The new business model is client unfriendly, at best. First, you are supposed to prepay for designer to come out to your property for a consult, then you pay again for another visit to actually create a design plan. These two prepaid service fees will cost $1,000 and were promised to occur within 2 weeks. More than 4 weeks later, we are still chasing after the prepaid services. And we are absolutely going to miss the spring planting window because there's no design to review. More than fair to say transparency on multiple prepaid fees and timeline to actually put shovels in the ground would have been a better path to building trust with customers. PS -- design consultant actually said in email "we are the most expensive because it's a privilege to work with us.". No, sorry, it's a privilege to have loyal customers because you treat them with respect.

brian neulander, 4 months ago

I love coming to Kiefer Nursery. They always have the healthiest looking plants, not to mention it is just a beautiful place to walk around and spend time in. Staff is knowledgeable and has helped me numerous times as we navigate a big landscaping project. They even have delivered and planted a large selection of trees for us and did a beautiful job. Highly highly recommend!

Hannah Santora, 5 months ago

6. Soto's Creations Landscaping LLC

4.9 stars from 59 Google reviews.

Soto's Creations Landscaping LLC has been serving clients since 2015, building a reputation for friendly and dedicated service. They handle a wide range of landscaping services, from popular basics to more complex projects. Their team is known for being helpful and committed to their craft.

What customers say:

Soto’s Creations Landscaping LLC did a wonderful patio in my front yard. From the jump they listened to all my ideas designed a 3D design and executed the project. They also incorporated landscape lighting into my patio. I am very happy with the work and craftsmanship they provided. If you are in the need of a build and design company I would strongly recommend this family company.

Guillermina Lira, 3 months ago

Soto's did an excellent job building landscape walls around the bushes and a tree in front of our house. The crew put in long hours, paid close attention to the details, and took the time to make sure the walls were level and properly finished. They also cleaned up thoroughly at the end of each day. It is clear that they take pride in their work, and we would gladly recommend them to anyone looking for quality landscaping.

Chris, 3 months ago

Very professional team with excellent results. They removed a lot of overgrown bushes, expanded my front garden beds, added metal edging, removed a tree, and cleaned up some areas. Very nice team, efficient, and competitive price. Provided estimates quickly and answered all of my questions. Would definitely work with them again on future projects.

A E, 3 months ago

7. Hope Valley Lawn and Landscape

5.0 stars from 47 Google reviews.

Hope Valley Lawn and Landscape is a family-owned company serving South Durham since 2004. They offer lawn care, maintenance, fertilization, weed control, aeration, shrub trimming, landscape planting, mulch installation, and drainage improvements. Their father-and-son team helps homeowners keep their yards looking their best.

What customers say:

John, Liam, and their team are great to work with - very professional, reliable, and do a thorough and quick job mowing our lawn. They also work well with you to listen to requests, feedback, and come up with a plan for lawn care maintenance that works for you. Highly recommend!

McKenna Lakin, a month ago

John and Liam are great! They're transforming my messy lawn into a masterpiece! I've had some major drainage issues, and they've coached me through with excellent communication and fair pricing. I've tried several lawn maintenance companies, but I plan to rely on Hope Valley Lawn for many seasons to come. Highly recommend.

Karin St. Pierre, 9 months ago

I have been using Hope Valley Lawn and Landscape since I moved into South Durham in 2020 (6+ years) and I highly recommend them - a local small business owner who lives in the community that does good work has solid communication, and easy to work with - Definitely recommend! - They handle our mowing, trimming, edging, aeration, and weed control

John Russell, a month ago

8. Red Mill Landscaping & Nursery

4.2 stars from 85 Google reviews.

Red Mill Landscaping & Nursery is a family-owned, local company that has been trusted since 1961. They are licensed and insured, offering landscaping services and a nursery with a selection of plants. Their long-standing presence in the area speaks to their experience and reliability.

What customers say:

People at the Nursery were very helpful, Lindsey is great. Great selection of shrubs, and trees. Quite a few flowers and perennials. Nice nursery, great place to walk around and conjure ideas and plans. No less than 10x of their plants now adorn my property. Red Mill also does install, matience, and irrigation install and repair. Redmill is a second generation local business, and has been involved in the community for decades.

Alex Galifianakis, 3 months ago

I was at the nursery at the Home Depot in Chapel Hill. I saw a landscaper there, I said to him things are so small here, is there a place where I can buy larger specimens. He recommended Red Mill. I’ve never been there before and I’ve been to almost every nursery in the area. So I went and I was pleasantly surprised! Very good selection of large trees and shrubs. Many mature sized evergreens and ornamental trees. Many in containers, but many in the ground in burlap. They will dig it up for you. A very nice Knowledgeable guy named John showed me around and gave me many options to my screening problem. I highly recommend this place if you want mature plantings at good prices.

Sal Panettieri, 4 years ago

Beautiful nursery filled with hundreds of a wide variety of ornamental, fruit, privacy trees, bushes, plants, ferns, and vines. Out in rural East Durham, I was surprised I’d never heard about it before. Friendly staff, reasonable prices...could use an extra hand or two on the weekend when it seems super busy, had a hard time finding someone to help us with questions. Free and wheelchair accessible parking

Heather P. McPherson, 8 years ago

9. Carolina Garden Co

4.9 stars from 39 Google reviews.

Carolina Garden Co provides residential and commercial landscaping, including hardscape services, throughout the Triangle. They focus on unique, quality designs for their clients. Their team brings creative solutions to both planting and outdoor construction projects.

What customers say:

These folks are the best! Family run landscape & hardscape co., Native Durhamites, very knowledgeable, great suggestions for shady areas, plants looked very healthy and the communication with all staff was excellent. The yard was overgrown with years of weeds & invasive ground cover, they cleaned that all up & did a ton of pruning all shrubs and removing dead plants. They went above and beyond to make sure we were happy! So now we do our part, watering and getting those plants through the winter. We will do more with them in the spring! Just planted last week, so it will all look better in the spring as they get bigger.

Chris Kowal, 11 months ago

Carolina Garden Company is awesome! They have created landscaping miracles, built out our patio with pavers, knee wall and a pergola. Brad visited our home a few times to ensure that his drawings matched our needs because he wanted to make us happy. Their workers are amazing and neat and polite. They were so appreciative thst we offered them water and pizza for lunch ! I would highly recommend Carolina Garden Company to anyone thinking about landscaping and/or hardscaping projects around your home or business. Signed, a very happy customer !

Lanie K., a year ago

Impressed with their work and professionalism. They did a great job communicating with us before and during the project. We would work with them again.

Cami Lattner, 5 months ago

10. Vert Life LLC

5.0 stars from 27 Google reviews.

What customers say:

Vert LIfe did a major backyard leveling and landscaping project with us and were great every step of the way. The gave us the most reasonable price, turned our backyard into a useable space and were prompt and communicative throughout the process! Highly recommend using them!

Ashley Gyori, 5 months ago

We hired Vert Life LLC to do a large landscaping project. Brayan scheduled a time to come out look at the project and provided us a fair quote. Brayan was very patient, accommodating and easy to work with. He made suggestions on trees, shrubs and design of the project and was flexible to make changes as the project progressed. He showed up exactly when he said he would and him and his team worked very hard with attention to detail. They cleaned up daily at the end of the day and their communication was outstanding and his work was phenomenal. I would highly recommend Vert Life for your landscaping needs, we were beyond extremely satisfied with the work, customer satisfaction and their details on the project. Thank you Brayan for a wonderful experience we truly are satisfied with a job well done. I've attached before and after the transformation photos.

Robin Smith, 2 years ago

My family and i have been extremely satisfied with our experience with the Outdoor makeover at our home. Brian was great to work with. He listened to exactly what we were looking for, answered all of our questions, gave us multiple options, educated us on the process and how to care for our new lawn, and was extremely responsive. The entire process of our project from the initial phone call to the last day of installation. Very reasonable with price fast and efficient.

Miguel Hernandez, 3 years ago

How do you choose a landscaper in Durham?

Choosing a landscaper in Durham is about more than price. You want someone who knows the difference between fescue and bermuda, who’s seen a yard drown in spring and burn in August. Ask about their experience with local soil, drainage, and the plants that actually survive here. Look for clear communication and a crew that shows up on time. If you want regular maintenance, check that they offer it. For bigger projects, ask to see photos of past work. And if you care about eco-friendly practices, bring it up early.

Feature What to Ask Why it Matters
Local Plant Knowledge Which grass or shrubs work? Survive heat, humidity, and clay
Drainage Solutions How do you handle runoff? Prevents soggy spots and erosion
Maintenance Plans Do you offer regular care? Keeps yard looking good year-round
Communication Style How do we stay in touch? Avoids surprises and missed visits

Frequently asked questions

What grass grows best in Durham, NC?

Tall fescue is the most popular choice for Durham lawns because it handles the heat and clay soil well. Some people use bermuda or zoysia for sunny spots, but fescue is the classic.

How often should I water my lawn in Durham?

Most lawns need about one inch of water per week, either from rain or sprinklers. Early morning is best to avoid disease and evaporation. Adjust for drought or heavy storms.

Do I need to aerate my lawn in Durham?

Yes, aerating once a year helps break up the heavy clay soil and lets water and nutrients reach the roots. Fall is usually the best time for this in Durham.

What should I ask before hiring a landscaper?

Ask about their experience with local soil and plants, what services are included, how they handle drainage, and if they offer regular maintenance. Good communication and local know-how make a big difference.

Business details, ratings and reviews are sourced from Google. Reviews are reproduced verbatim and are the opinions of their authors, not of Dream Landscaper.

Company details were last checked on 2026-09-11.

If you want a yard that survives Durham’s wild swings, you’re not alone. I’m rooting for you.

Frequently asked questions

What grass grows best in Durham, NC?

Tall fescue is the most popular choice for Durham lawns because it handles the heat and clay soil well. Some people use bermuda or zoysia for sunny spots, but fescue is the classic.

How often should I water my lawn in Durham?

Most lawns need about one inch of water per week, either from rain or sprinklers. Early morning is best to avoid disease and evaporation. Adjust for drought or heavy storms.

Do I need to aerate my lawn in Durham?

Yes, aerating once a year helps break up the heavy clay soil and lets water and nutrients reach the roots. Fall is usually the best time for this in Durham.

What should I ask before hiring a landscaper?

Ask about their experience with local soil and plants, what services are included, how they handle drainage, and if they offer regular maintenance. Good communication and local know-how make a big difference.

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