Landscaping contractors in
Savannah, Georgia.
A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Savannah. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Georgia requires Landscape Contractor License through GA Department of Agriculture. Must pass written exam covering plant identification, pest management, and business practices. Requires 2 years experience or relevant education. License renewal every 3 years with continuing education requirements. Commercial pesticide applicator license required for chemical applications.
Permit Requirements
Chatham County requires permits for irrigation system installations connecting to water mains, tree removal in historic districts, and hardscape work over $1000. Storm water management permits required for projects disturbing more than 1 acre.
Inspection Schedule
Irrigation connections inspected before backfill. Tree work in historic districts requires arborist approval. Final inspection required for permitted hardscape installations within 30 days of completion.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, commercial auto insurance required for business vehicles, workers compensation required for employees. Many municipalities require $1 million liability for commercial contracts.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Experience Requirements
Document 2 years of landscaping experience OR complete relevant horticulture/landscape degree program. GA Department of Agriculture requires proof of experience through employer verification or education transcripts.
Submit License Application
Complete Georgia Landscape Contractor license application with $75 fee. Include experience documentation, proof of insurance, and business registration. Applications processed within 30 days of receipt.
Schedule and Pass Exam
Pay $150 exam fee and schedule written test covering plant identification, pest management, soil science, and business practices. Exam offered monthly at testing centers statewide. 70% passing score required.
Obtain Required Insurance
Secure general liability insurance minimum $300,000, commercial auto coverage, and workers compensation if hiring employees. Submit proof of insurance with license application.
Complete License Activation
Once exam passed and documentation approved, license issued within 14 days. License valid 3 years with renewal requiring continuing education credits in pest management and horticulture.
About This Market
Savannah's landscaping market runs hot with steady residential demand from historic district properties and new suburban developments west of the city. Competition is fierce among the estimated 150+ active contractors serving Chatham County. Historic district work pays premium rates but comes with strict tree ordinances and material restrictions. New construction in Pooler and Richmond Hill drives volume work, while downtown properties need specialized knowledge of period-appropriate plantings and drainage issues common to below-sea-level lots.
Get your GA Landscape Contractor license sorted first - the Department of Agriculture doesn't mess around with unlicensed operators. Know Chatham County's tree ordinance inside and out before touching anything over 6 inches diameter downtown. Peak season here starts earlier than up north - February prep work leads into March installations. Summer heat kills margins on labor-intensive jobs, so price accordingly. Irrigation work requires plumbing permits, and historic district jobs need COA approval before you touch a shovel. Build relationships with local nurseries early - freight costs from Atlanta eat profits on small jobs.
- Licensed establishments countUS Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirements and feesGeorgia Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Division
- Permit requirementsChatham County Development Services
- Insurance minimumsGeorgia Secretary of State Business Licensing Division
- Cost estimatesLocal market analysis and contractor surveys
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a landscaping license in Georgia?
Georgia Landscape Contractor license costs $75 for the application plus $150 exam fee. Add $200-400 for exam prep materials. Total initial cost runs $425-625 according to GA Department of Agriculture fee schedule.
Do I need a permit to remove trees in Savannah?
Yes, tree removal permits required in Chatham County historic districts for trees over 6 inches diameter. Permit fees range $50-200 depending on tree size and location per Chatham County Development Services.
What insurance do landscaping contractors need in Georgia?
Georgia requires general liability insurance minimum $300,000, workers compensation for employees, and commercial auto coverage. Most commercial contracts require $1 million liability coverage according to GA licensing board requirements.
When is landscaping season in Savannah?
Savannah's growing season runs February through November due to subtropical climate. Peak installation season is March-June, with maintenance work year-round. Summer heat typically slows major installations July-August.
How many landscaping contractors operate in Georgia?
Approximately 3,177 licensed landscaping establishments operate in Georgia according to Census data, with an estimated 150-200 active contractors serving the Savannah metro area based on local licensing records.
Landscaping contractors in Savannah
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