Hiring the right landscaping company can be surprisingly difficult. Many businesses offer similar services, use comparable photos, and promise quality workmanship. While the presentation may be the same, the outcome can be worlds apart.
We believe the right landscaper should offer much more than the ability to install plants or build a patio. Look for their design philosophy, horticultural expertise, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to creating outdoor spaces that fit both the property and the homeowner’s lifestyle, before moving forward.
If you’re comparing professional landscaping services, here are several qualities worth looking for before making your decision.
Choose a Company That Designs Instead of Simply Installs
The best landscaping projects begin long before construction starts.
Professional designers evaluate how a property will be used, how different outdoor spaces connect to one another, and how plants and hardscape features can work together as a single composition. Instead of recommending the same shrubs and patio layout for every home, they develop solutions that respond to the property’s architecture, grading, and the homeowner’s goals.
At Integrity Land Works, every project begins with a design consultation. Our team talks to you to understand your preferences and goals for your completed space. Whether the final project includes landscape plantings, a custom patio, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, or a complete backyard transformation, the goal is to create an outdoor environment where every element feels intentional.
Look for Formal Education and Professional Certifications
Landscaping is a profession that combines art, horticulture, engineering, and construction. The strongest companies invest in continuing education because plants, installation methods, and industry standards continue to evolve.
When comparing landscapers, ask about the team’s education and certifications.
Integrity has built its reputation on both practical experience and professional training. Owner and lead designer Gavin Witmeyer graduated from the prestigious Longwood Gardens Professional Horticulture Program. As of June 2026, Integrity Land Works team members also hold credentials including:
- Certificate in Landscape Design (New York Institute of Art & Design)
- ISA Certified Arborist
- Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist
- Penn State Master Gardener training
- Penn State pruning education
Because Integrity also specializes in outdoor living construction, as of June 2026, the team also maintains technical certifications through:
- The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI)
- The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA)
- Retaining wall specialization training
This combination of horticultural education and construction expertise allows projects to be designed and built with both beauty and long-term performance in mind.
Find a Landscaper That Understands Construction
Many landscaping companies focus primarily on plants. Others specialize only in patios and hardscaping.
The most complete landscaping services bring both disciplines together.
By understanding grading, drainage, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, patios, and landscape design as interconnected systems, a company can create outdoor spaces that function as a whole rather than feeling like separate projects completed over time.
Integrity designs and builds custom paver patios, pavilions, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, fire features, landscape lighting, and complete backyard transformations alongside professionally designed landscape plantings. This integrated approach creates outdoor spaces that are cohesive from the beginning.
Ask About Installation Standards
Construction quality often determines how a space performs long after the final walkthrough.
For hardscape projects, homeowners should ask questions about excavation, foundation preparation, drainage, edge restraint systems, and the materials being used.
Integrity incorporates installation practices that go beyond minimum industry standards. Depending on the project, these may include enhanced foundation stabilization, deeper compacted stone bases, clean angular stone bedding materials, reinforced edge restraint systems, and post-installation paver vibration to improve long-term structural performance.
The company also installs premium products from manufacturers such as Unilock, combining quality materials with proven construction methods designed for Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw conditions.
Consider the Company’s Reputation
Professional landscaping is a significant investment, so customer experience matters just as much as technical ability.
Look beyond marketing materials and spend time reading real reviews. Consistent feedback about communication, professionalism, attention to detail, and follow-through often provides a better picture of what working with a company will actually be like.
Integrity Land Works has served homeowners throughout Lebanon County for more than 14 years and has earned a 4.9-star Google rating across more than 94 reviews, along with strong recommendations on Facebook and Houzz. Those reviews frequently highlight the team’s communication, craftsmanship, and commitment to customer service.
Look for a Company That Can Grow With Your Property
Many homeowners improve their landscape over several years rather than completing everything at once.
Choosing a company with expertise across landscape design, horticulture, outdoor living, drainage, lighting, and hardscape construction makes it easier to develop a long-term plan. Future additions can be designed to complement the original work instead of feeling like separate renovations.
Whether a homeowner begins with foundation plantings or invests in a complete outdoor living space, having one experienced design-build partner helps maintain consistency throughout the property.
Final Thoughts
Professional landscaping services should offer much more than routine installation or maintenance. The right company combines creative design, horticultural knowledge, quality construction, and careful planning to create landscapes that remain functional and attractive for years to come.
As you compare landscaping companies, look for evidence of professional education, industry certifications, thoughtful design, quality installation practices, and a proven reputation for customer satisfaction.
At Integrity Land Works, we exemplify these qualities by bringing together landscape design, horticultural expertise, outdoor living construction, and long-term planning into one comprehensive design-build process. For homeowners who want more than basic landscaping, those are the characteristics that separate a true professional from a company that simply installs plants or hardscapes.