Landscaping Contractors in Montgomery, Alabama
Avg. Hourly Wage
$16.62/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Avg. Annual Wage
$34,570/yr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Licensed Establishments
1,331
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
March through October, with highest demand April-June for installations and year-round maintenance needs
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for routine services, 3-5 days for complex project estimates
Estimate
Common Job Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Lawn mowing and maintenance | $35 – $75 |
| Landscape design and installation | $2,500 – $8,500 |
| Tree removal and trimming | $300 – $1,200 |
| Irrigation system installation | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| Hardscaping (patios, walkways) | $3,000 – $12,000 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Alabama requires a Landscape Contractor License through the Alabama Board of Registration for Foresters. Must pass written examination covering plant identification, soil science, pest management, and business practices. Requires 4 years experience or 2-year degree in related field. License renewal every 2 years with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
Montgomery requires permits for irrigation system installation connecting to water mains, tree removal permits for trees over 6 inches diameter on public property, and grading permits for projects moving more than 50 cubic yards of soil
Inspection Schedule
Irrigation connections inspected before backfill, final landscape installation inspected for permit compliance within 30 days of completion
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, commercial auto insurance for business vehicles
How to Get Licensed
- 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Obtain either 4 years of verifiable landscaping experience or complete a 2-year degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related field. Gather documentation of experience or education credentials.
- 2
Submit application
Complete application form with Alabama Board of Registration for Foresters, include required documentation, experience verification, and pay application fee of approximately $200.
- 3
Schedule and pass examination
Register for the written examination covering plant identification, soil science, pest management, irrigation, and business practices. Exam fee is additional to application fee.
- 4
Obtain insurance and bonding
Secure required general liability insurance minimum $300,000, workers compensation if hiring employees, and any bonding requirements before license issuance.
- 5
Receive license and maintain compliance
Upon passing exam and meeting requirements, receive Alabama Landscape Contractor License. Renew every 2 years with continuing education credits and renewal fees.
About This Market
Montgomery's landscaping market runs hot from spring through fall, driven by residential developments in Prattville corridor and commercial properties downtown. Competition's thick with 1331 licensed outfits statewide - you're fighting for work against established players and weekend warriors. Cost drivers here are irrigation needs due to clay soil and summer heat, plus storm cleanup work after severe weather seasons. Year-round maintenance contracts keep the lights on while installation work provides the real money.
Get your Alabama Landscape Contractor License first - no shortcuts on this one. The Board of Registration means business with their exam covering everything from soil science to pest management. Montgomery's permit requirements bite hard on irrigation work, so factor inspection delays into your timeline. Build relationships with local nurseries early - supply chain matters when you're promising delivery dates. Focus on commercial maintenance contracts and high-end residential in Cloverdale and Old Cloverdale neighborhoods where homeowners pay for quality work.
Data Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
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