Trade directory · Johns Creek metro · Georgia

Landscaping contractors in
Johns Creek, Georgia.

A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Johns Creek. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
3,177
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
March through October, with highest demand April-June for installations and year-round maintenance contracts
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for quotes, 1-3 weeks for project start during peak season
Operator average
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

JOHNS CREEK-GA · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Lawn Maintenance (monthly)
Typical range based on local lawn maintenance (monthly) jobs.
$150 – $400
Landscape Design & Installation
Typical range based on local landscape design & installation jobs.
$8,000 – $35,000
Sod Installation (per sq ft)
Typical range based on local sod installation (per sq ft) jobs.
$1 – $3
Tree & Shrub Planting
Typical range based on local tree & shrub planting jobs.
$500 – $2,500
Irrigation System Installation
Typical range based on local irrigation system installation jobs.
$3,500 – $12,000
Hardscape Patios & Walkways
Typical range based on local hardscape patios & walkways jobs.
$4,000 – $18,000
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

GA
§1

Licensing Requirements

Georgia requires a Commercial Applicator License for pesticide application (Category 3a for ornamental turf), obtained through Georgia Department of Agriculture. Written exam required, $75 fee, 3-year renewal. No state contractor license required for basic landscaping, but irrigation work requires plumbing contractor license for backflow prevention.

§2

Permit Requirements

City of Johns Creek requires permits for irrigation systems connecting to water supply ($50-100), tree removal permits for trees over 6 inches diameter, and building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet. Erosion control permits required for projects disturbing over 5,000 sq ft.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Irrigation backflow prevention devices require annual inspection by certified tester. Tree removal permits inspected before and after removal. No routine inspections for basic landscaping work.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 recommended, workers compensation required for employees. Commercial auto coverage $500,000 if operating vehicles. Some HOAs require $1M liability for work in community.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

6 STEPS
1

Determine License Requirements

Basic landscaping requires no state license in Georgia. Get Commercial Applicator License (Category 3a) from GA Department of Agriculture if applying pesticides to ornamental plants or turf.

01/06
2

Study for Pesticide Exam

Purchase study materials from University of Georgia Extension. Study covers pesticide safety, application methods, plant identification, and Georgia regulations. Exam administered at regional testing centers.

02/06
3

Take Written Examination

Schedule exam through Georgia Department of Agriculture. Pass written test with 70% score. Exam fee $75, valid for 90 days if you don't immediately apply for license.

03/06
4

Submit License Application

Complete application with Georgia Department of Agriculture within 90 days of passing exam. Include proof of exam passage, application fee, and business information.

04/06
5

Obtain Business License

Register business with Georgia Secretary of State and obtain local business license from Johns Creek. May require zoning approval for commercial operations.

05/06
6

Secure Insurance and Bonding

Obtain general liability, workers compensation (if employees), and commercial auto insurance. Some projects may require performance bonds.

06/06
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Johns Creek sits in affluent North Fulton County where high-end residential properties drive strong landscaping demand. Average home values around $600K mean clients expect premium work and pay accordingly. Competition is fierce with over 200 active landscape contractors in metro Atlanta, but quality work gets referrals fast in this market. Costs run 15-20% above state average due to property values and client expectations. Peak installation season runs March through June when weather cooperates and clients prep for entertaining season. Maintenance contracts provide steady revenue, but you're competing against crews working for half your rates. The real money is in design-build projects for new construction and major renovations. Georgia keeps licensing simple for basic landscaping - no state contractor license required unless you're doing irrigation or applying chemicals. Get your pesticide applicator license through the Department of Agriculture if you plan to spray anything. Johns Creek requires permits for irrigation hookups and tree removal, and they actually enforce it. HOAs run this town, so expect detailed scope reviews and strict material requirements. Build relationships with local nurseries and hardscape suppliers early - delivery logistics matter in these neighborhoods. Winter work is limited but possible - focus on hardscapes and plant installations when ground isn't frozen.

Data Sources
  • Licensed establishments in GA
    US Census Bureau - 3,177 establishments
  • Cost ranges
    Local contractor estimates and market analysis
  • Licensing requirements
    Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Secretary of State
  • Permit requirements
    Johns Creek Building Department and City Code
  • Insurance minimums
    Georgia contractors and industry standards
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

Do I need a contractor license to do landscaping in Johns Creek, GA?

No state contractor license required for basic landscaping in Georgia. However, you need a Commercial Applicator License from GA Department of Agriculture for pesticide application, and irrigation work requires plumbing contractor certification for backflow prevention devices.

Q/02

What permits are required for landscaping projects in Johns Creek?

Johns Creek requires permits for irrigation system connections ($50-100), tree removal for trees over 6 inches diameter, building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet, and erosion control permits for projects disturbing over 5,000 sq ft according to city building department.

Q/03

How much does landscape installation cost in Johns Creek?

Full landscape design and installation ranges $8,000-$35,000 based on local contractor estimates. Costs run 15-20% above Georgia average due to high property values and client expectations in North Fulton County.

Q/04

When is peak season for landscaping work in Johns Creek?

Peak installation season runs March through October, with highest demand April-June. Monthly maintenance contracts provide year-round work, while hardscape projects can continue through winter months when weather permits.

Q/05

What insurance do landscaping contractors need in Georgia?

Minimum $300,000 general liability recommended, workers compensation required for employees, and $500,000 commercial auto coverage. Many Johns Creek HOAs require $1M liability coverage for contractors working in their communities.

§ F · Directory

Landscaping contractors in Johns Creek

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