Landscapers vs. Tree Services vs. Structural Landscapers vs. Lawn Services: Who Does What (and When to Call Them)

Homeowners often say “I need a landscaper,” when what they really need is a tree crew, a hardscape/structural landscaping team, or a lawn care company. These trades overlap—but they’re not the same. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide so you hire the right pro the first time.

Quick Definitions

Lawn Services (Maintenance)

The weekly/biweekly crew that keeps things tidy.
Focus: Mowing, edging, blowing, fertilization, weed control, seasonal cleanups, aeration, overseeding, basic sprinkler tweaks.
Think: Routine upkeep.

Landscapers (Softscape & Light Hardscape)

The designers and installers of living elements and curb appeal.
Focus: Plant selection/installation, bed design, mulch/rock, drip irrigation, landscape lighting, small paths or patios, minor grading.
Think: Aesthetic upgrades and plant health.

Tree Services (Arborists)

The high-risk specialists working above your roofline.
Focus: Pruning, removals, hazard mitigation, storm response, cabling/bracing, stump grinding, plant health care for trees.
Think: Safety, structure, and longevity of trees.

Structural Landscapers (Licensed Hardscape/Exterior Construction)

The “outdoor builders” with permits and plans.
Focus: Retaining walls, drainage systems, grading/earthwork, paver/stone driveways and large patios, decks, fences, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, steps/landings, erosion control.
Think: Engineered solutions that must last—and often require permits.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Category	Lawn Services	Landscapers	Tree Services	Structural Landscapers
Core Goal	Ongoing upkeep	Beauty & planting design	Tree safety & health	Build durable outdoor structures
Typical Jobs	Mow, edge, weed & feed	Beds, plants, small paths, lighting	Prune/remove trees, stumps, storm work	Walls, drainage, patios, decks, fencing
Licensing/Permits	May need chemical license for herbicides	Sometimes business license; permits rare	Specialty insurance; arborist certs ideal	Contractor license; permits/inspections common
Equipment	Mowers, trimmers, sprayers	Skid steer (sometimes), hand tools	Climbers, ropes, saws, cranes, stump grinders	Excavators, compactors, plate tampers, lasers
Risk Profile	Low	Low–Medium	High (working aloft, heavy rigging)	Medium–High (excavation, structural work)
Timeline	Hours	Days	Hours–Days	Days–Weeks
Best For	Weekly curb appeal	Curb appeal + plant health	Tree hazards & longevity	Solving water/grade issues & building spaces
Not Ideal For	Big design/builds	Large structural fixes	Mowing/bed care	Weekly mowing or simple planting

Rules and licenses vary by state/city. When in doubt, ask about licenses, permits, and insurance.

“Who Do I Call?” Scenarios

• “My yard turns into a swamp after it rains.”
  Call structural landscapers for drainage design (French drains, regrading, swales, dry wells). Landscapers can restore plantings after the fix.
• “A heavy limb hangs over my roof.”
  Call tree services (ideally with an ISA Certified Arborist). This is safety work.
• “We want colorful beds and a welcoming entry.”
  Call landscapers for design, plant selection, and installation. Lawn services can maintain it after.
• “Our patio is sinking and the steps are uneven.”
  Call structural landscapers. That’s base prep, compaction, and potential re-build—not a quick cosmetic job.
• “The yard looks shaggy and we’re too busy.”
  Call lawn services for recurring maintenance.
• “After the storm, a tree split and is leaning.”
  Tree services for emergency response and safe removal or bracing.
• “We want a pergola, privacy fence, and outdoor kitchen.”
  Structural landscapers—permitting, footings, gas/electric coordination, and engineering details.

Pricing Reality Check (Very General)

• Lawn services: lowest ticket, recurring.
• Landscapers: project-based; plants + materials + design time add up.
• Tree services: priced by risk, access, size, equipment (e.g., crane), and haul-off.
• Structural landscapers: highest variability due to excavation, base materials, drainage, structural elements, and permits.

Cheap can get expensive later—especially for trees, grading, and walls. Poor drainage or a bad base under pavers guarantees future failure.

How These Pros Work Together (Dream Team Example)

Waterlogged yard + failing patio + messy beds + shady lawn:

1. Tree Services lift/prune to increase light and remove hazards.
2. Structural Landscapers regrade, install drains, rebuild the patio with a compacted base and proper fall.
3. Landscapers design planting beds that tolerate the site’s sun/soil conditions and add lighting.
4. Lawn Services keep everything crisp and healthy long-term.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

For Any Contractor

• Can you provide insurance (general liability + workers’ comp) and a business license?
• Who will be on site daily, and how do you communicate progress?
• What’s the warranty and what voids it?

Lawn Services

• Are fertilizers/pesticides applied by a licensed tech?
• Do you offer soil tests and seasonal plans?

Landscapers

• Do you offer design renderings and a plant warranty?
• How do you choose plants for sun/soil and mature size?

Tree Services

• Is there an ISA Certified Arborist on staff?
• How will you protect my property (mats, rigging plans) and handle debris?

Structural Landscapers

• Do you carry a contractor license and pull permits when required?
• What’s your base prep spec (excavation depth, geotextile, compaction, drainage)?
• Will you provide a drainage plan and as-built photos?

Red Flags (Run, Don’t Walk)

• Vague scope (“We’ll figure it out as we go”).
• “No permit needed” for walls, decks, or large hardscapes that clearly should be reviewed.
• No proof of insurance or workers’ comp.
• For pavers: no mention of compaction, open-graded base, or edge restraint.
• For trees: no plan for rigging, drop zones, or property protection.

DIY or Pro?

• DIY-friendly: mulch refresh, small bed cleanups, annual color.
• Hire a pro: tree removals/pruning, retaining walls, drainage fixes, large patios/decks, anything near utilities or structures.

The Bottom Line

• Lawn services keep your property looking sharp.
• Landscapers make it gorgeous and thriving.
• Tree services keep you safe and your canopy healthy.
• Structural landscapers solve water/grade problems and build outdoor spaces that last.

Pick the right specialist for the job, and your yard will not only look better—it’ll perform better for years.