Landscaping in Savannah, GA

Compare free quotes from independent local landscaping companies for new beds, plantings, sod, pine straw, drainage fixes and outdoor living projects across Savannah and the coast.

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Curved planting beds with azaleas, palmettos and fresh pine straw beside a lawn

Landscaping that fits the coast

Landscaping in Savannah, GA is shaped by heat, rain and soil more than by trends. The city averages 48.12 inches of rain a year, with June, July and August the wettest months, and about 80 days a year at or above 90 °F (NOAA 1991–2020 normals). Much of Chatham County sits on poorly drained, acidic soils with a seasonal high water table, while pockets of deep sand drain so fast that new plants struggle without water. A good landscape plan starts with those conditions, not with a catalog photo.

We connect Savannah-area homeowners with independent local lawn care, landscaping and tree companies for free, no-obligation quotes. The company you choose quotes, contracts and does the work directly with you. Savannah GA Lawn Care does not design, plant or build anything itself; it simply makes it easier to reach local landscapers and landscaping companies in Savannah, GA and compare what they propose.

What local landscaping companies quote on

Most residential requests fall into a few groups. Describe yours in the quote form and the companies that respond can tell you what they offer.

Front-yard refreshes

New foundation beds, shrub replacement, edging and a fresh layer of pine straw or mulch. This is the most common starting project.

Backyard and outdoor living

Larger plantings, patios, walkways, seating areas and screening. Hardscape adds cost and, for structures, may raise permit or license questions.

Lawn and sod work

Replacing thin turf with centipede, St. Augustine, zoysia or bermuda. See sod installation in Savannah for grass choices and watering after install.

Pine straw and mulch beds

Pine straw is the regional standard for beds under azaleas and around oaks. Compare it with hardwood mulch on the pine straw and mulch page.

Drainage fixes

Low spots that hold water after summer storms are a common complaint on the coast. Ask about regrading, French drains or plant choices that tolerate wet feet.

Designing for Savannah's climate and soil

A few local facts are worth raising with any landscaper you talk to:

  • Drainage first. Common Chatham County soils such as Ellabelle and Pelham are rated poorly or very poorly drained by NRCS. Plants that hate wet roots will fail in those spots no matter how well they are installed.
  • Acidic soil. Native soils here are strongly to very strongly acid. A soil test before planting tells the company whether lime or other changes are needed, and centipede lawns usually should not be limed without one.
  • Shade from big trees. Mature trees shade many Savannah yards. Turf thins out in deep shade, so beds, groundcovers or shade-tolerant grass such as St. Augustine or zoysia often work better.
  • Salt near the marsh. On Tybee, Wilmington Island and other marsh-front lots, salt spray and storm tides matter. UGA notes seashore paspalum is the most salt-tolerant warm-season turf.
  • Water rules. City of Savannah customers may not irrigate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or on Fridays; even addresses water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, odd addresses Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. New plantings are exempt during installation and for 30 days after under state law.

Planting timing matters too. The median last spring freeze at the airport is March 2, though in one year in ten it comes after March 25, and the median first fall freeze is November 30. Spring and fall installations give roots time to settle before the hottest stretch of summer.

How the quote process works

  1. Tell us about the yard

    Use the free quote form to describe the project, the rough size and your timing. Photos help.

  2. Local companies respond

    Independent landscaping companies that serve your area can reach out to schedule a look at the property. We usually reply the same day.

  3. Compare written proposals

    Ask each company for the same scope in writing: plants, sizes, bed prep, edging, cleanup and warranty terms, if any.

  4. Hire directly

    You choose the company and contract with it directly. There is no obligation to hire anyone.

The full process page explains each step in more detail.

What landscaping costs in Savannah

These are typical ranges from published cost guides (2026) — estimates, not quotes:

ProjectTypical range
Front-yard landscaping$1,425–$4,750 (average about $3,088)
Backyard landscaping$4,750–$23,750
Landscape design$475–$2,850
Mulch, installed$71–$143 per cubic yard
Patio / retaining wall$8–$19 per sq ft / $24–$71 per linear ft

What moves the price: the size of the beds, how many plants and at what size, whether old shrubs and roots have to come out, drainage work, hardscape, and how easy it is to get equipment into the yard. See the Savannah landscaping price guide for more ranges and a rough calculator.

Before you sign for hardscape: Walls, decks, pergolas and other structures over $2,500 may need a Georgia residential contractor license or a permit — ask before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.

Questions to ask a Savannah landscaper

  • Which plants on the plan suit this exact spot's sun, shade and drainage?
  • Is soil testing or bed preparation included, and how deep is the bed prep?
  • Is irrigation or a drip line part of the plan, and who will connect it to the water line?
  • Does the price include removal of old shrubs, roots and debris?
  • For any wall, deck or pergola: is a permit or license needed, and who pulls it?
  • Is there a plant warranty, and what does it require of you, such as watering?

Keep the yard looking finished after the project with regular lawn mowing and maintenance. For grass choices, read the Savannah grass guide.

Landscaping quotes across the Savannah area

Requests come in from Savannah neighborhoods, the islands and the growing suburbs. Local pages cover what is different in each place:

All areas are listed on the service areas page.

Landscaping FAQ

How much does landscaping cost in Savannah, GA?

Published cost guides (2026) put front-yard landscaping at about $1,425–$4,750, backyard projects at $4,750–$23,750 and landscape design at $475–$2,850. These are estimates, not quotes. Bed size, plant count, drainage work, hardscape and access all move the number, so comparing two or three written quotes for the same scope is the most reliable way to see a real price.

What plants hold up in Savannah yards?

Choose plants for the spot rather than the look alone. Savannah averages about 80 days a year at or above 90 °F, and many local soils stay wet for months, while deep sands dry out fast. Ask the company you choose which shrubs and groundcovers suit your sun, shade and drainage, and whether the plan includes beds edged with pine straw or mulch.

Does a landscaping project need a permit or license in Georgia?

Planting, sod, mulch and pine straw are not the issue. Walls, decks, pergolas and other structures over $2,500 may need a Georgia residential contractor license or a permit, so ask before you sign. In the Savannah Historic District, exterior changes visible from the street can need review, so check with the city first. This is general information, not legal advice.

When is the right time to start a landscaping project in Savannah?

Many homeowners plan in late winter. Savannah's median last spring freeze is March 2, and the freeze-free season runs about 270 days, so spring and fall are popular planting windows. Summer work is possible, but new plants need regular watering; Georgia law lets you water new plantings any day for 30 days after installation.

Get your yard and trees in shape before the next storm season.

Free, no-pressure quotes across Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, Skidaway Island, Rincon and Tybee.

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