Landscaping
Citrus Landscape Design
Native Florida landscape design, irrigation, and ongoing maintenance. Specialists in low-water and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Inverness, FL
Browse trades
Landscapers in North Central Florida
1 local business across the 8-county service area. Independents only, no national chains.
About landscapers in North Central Florida
Florida landscaping rewards local expertise: USDA Zone 9a means many ornamentals that thrive up north simply die here, while NCF's mix of sandy and clay-heavy soils means what works in one yard may struggle three blocks away. A good NCF landscaper specifies Florida-friendly natives (sweetbay magnolia, coontie, fakahatchee grass) that survive the summer heat without irrigation overload.
Florida doesn't require general landscapers to hold a state license, but irrigation contractors who do anything to a sprinkler system DO need a Certified Underground Utility & Excavation license (CUC) or a Certified Irrigation Contractor designation. Tree work over 14 feet usually requires a Certified Arborist or licensed tree contractor — see our Tree Service category for that.
Common questions about landscapers in NCF
- How much does professional landscaping cost in NCF?
- Routine lawn maintenance (mow, edge, blow) runs $35–$80/visit for a typical NCF lot. Mulch refresh $300–$800/season. Plant installation $50–$200 per shrub installed with prep. Full front-yard refresh (new plantings + mulch + edging) typically $1,500–$5,000. Irrigation system installation $2,500–$6,000 for a typical NCF lot.
- What plants survive NCF summer heat without constant watering?
- Florida-friendly natives: muhly grass, beautyberry, simpson stopper, walter's viburnum, firebush, coontie, sweetbay magnolia. Most established natives need irrigation only during the first 60-90 days, then survive on rainfall. Avoid azaleas, hostas, and most northern shrubs unless you're willing to baby them.
- Do landscapers need a license in Florida?
- General lawn care and planting: no state license required (though most reputable companies carry liability insurance + workers' comp). Irrigation system work: yes, requires Certified Irrigation Contractor or Underground Utility license. Tree work over 14 ft: typically requires a tree contractor or arborist license. Pesticide application (anything beyond cosmetic lawn fertilizer) requires a Limited Lawn & Ornamental license.
- When's the right time to plant in North Central Florida?
- Late September through early March is the prime planting window — temperatures are mild, rains are reliable, and plants have months to establish roots before summer stress. Avoid May–August installs unless you can commit to daily irrigation. Native palms can be planted year-round but always need stake-and-water support the first 60 days.
- Should I install irrigation or plant drought-tolerant?
- Depends on your goal. An irrigation system supports the broadest plant palette but adds $40–$120/month to your water bill and requires twice-yearly tune-ups. A xeriscape (drought-tolerant native plantings) installs slightly higher upfront but has near-zero ongoing cost and is what most Florida wildlife actually wants. NCF rainfall (~52 inches/year) supports many native plant communities without supplemental irrigation.