Leading Landscape and Hardscape Companies in Nashville

1. Gardens of Babylon Landscapes

Gardens of Babylon Landscapes remains Nashville’s most iconic eco-friendly firm, operating out of a massive garden center near the Nashville Farmers’ Market. They specialize in a holistic approach to outdoor living, emphasizing sustainable practices and native Tennessee flora. Their design-build process is highly collaborative, utilizing 3D modeling to help homeowners visualize complex transformations before ground is broken. They are the preferred choice for those seeking a naturalistic, “lush” look that supports local ecosystems while providing high-end functional spaces.

Naturalistic Design: Expertise in rewilding and creating biodiverse habitats using native Tennessee plants.
Custom Hardscaping: Specialists in natural fieldstone, permeable pavers, and custom cedar pergolas.
3D Visualization: Detailed digital renderings provided during the design phase for accurate planning.
Maintenance Programs: Dedicated account managers for long-term plant health and landscape preservation.

Current Price: $5,000 – $350,000+ (As of February 2026). Small design packages start at $1,200.

Pros: High commitment to sustainability; access to unique plant inventory; excellent customer communication; transparent project management.

Cons: Higher price point for premium design; seasonal backlog can result in longer wait times for installation.

Best For: High-end residential clients focused on sustainability and custom natural stone work.

Availability: Serving all of Metro Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin.

2. Milosi Landscape Company

Milosi Landscape Company has built a reputation for “flawless execution” across the greater Nashville region. They are known for their white-glove service and their ability to handle massive, multi-acre estates with the same precision as smaller urban backyards. Their “C.A.R.E.” team approach ensures that every client receives personalized attention throughout the installation process. Milosi is particularly strong in the luxury hardscape category, including the construction of custom pools, outdoor kitchens, and elaborate masonry walls.

Luxury Pools: Full-service design and installation of custom concrete and fiberglass swimming pools.
Architectural Masonry: High-precision stonework for retaining walls, fireplaces, and entry gates.
Irrigation Management: Smart water systems designed to navigate Tennessee’s summer humidity and clay soil.
Night Lighting: Sophisticated low-voltage LED systems for security and aesthetic nighttime ambiance.

Current Price: $10,000 – $500,000 (As of February 2026). Average patio projects range from $15,000 to $25,000.

Pros: Exceptional structural engineering; meticulous cleanup during projects; highly professional crew; long-term warranties.

Cons: Premium pricing structure; limited availability for “maintenance-only” clients without an installation history.

Best For: Homeowners requiring large-scale construction and complex structural hardscaping.

Availability: Hendersonville, Gallatin, and the greater Nashville area.

3. The Greathouse Company

With nearly 50 years of experience in Middle Tennessee, The Greathouse Company is a fixture of the local landscape industry. They focus on providing “end-to-end” expertise, meaning they handle every detail from soil grading and drainage to the final flower placement. Their team is known for punctuality and clear accountability, making them a favorite for busy professionals. They have a significant portfolio in neighborhoods like Belle Meade and Oak Hill, where preserving the historic character of the land is paramount.

Total Site Management: Capability to handle massive grading and drainage overhauls before landscaping begins.
Traditional Aesthetics: Specialists in classic Southern landscape styles and formal garden designs.
Water Features: Design and installation of custom waterfalls, ponds, and disappearing streams.
Corporate and Residential: Scalable services that cater to both large commercial properties and private homes.

Current Price: $7,500 – $200,000+ (As of February 2026). Maintenance packages start at $450/month.

Pros: Decades of local soil and climate knowledge; extremely reliable scheduling; expert in large-tree transplantation.

Cons: Design style can lean toward traditional rather than modern; smaller projects may be deprioritized during peak seasons.

Best For: Clients with established, historic properties needing comprehensive care or traditional renovations.

Availability: Serving Metro Nashville, Belle Meade, and Forest Hills.

4. Allin Landscaping

Allin Landscaping has become a top-reviewed firm on major industry platforms due to their focus on creating functional “entertainment hubs.” They understand that Nashville homeowners want to use their backyards as social spaces, and their designs reflect this through the seamless integration of seating walls, fire pits, and shaded dining areas. They are highly efficient, often completing standard patio and sod installations in shorter timeframes than their larger competitors without sacrificing quality.

Entertainment Design: Specialists in outdoor kitchens, bars, and integrated audio-visual systems.
Efficiency: Known for fast turnaround times on standard hardscape installations like paver patios.
Turf Solutions: High-quality sod installation and specialized turf management programs.
Creative Lighting: Unique lighting placements that highlight architectural features and foliage.

Current Price: $5,000 – $75,000 (As of February 2026). Typical entertainment patio packages start at $12,000.

Pros: Excellent reviews for speed and reliability; creative use of smaller spaces; very competitive pricing for mid-range projects.

Cons: May not handle massive structural engineering projects like pools; smaller crew size means limited concurrent project capacity.

Best For: Modern homeowners wanting to maximize their backyard’s social and entertainment potential.

Availability: Metro Nashville, Brentwood, and Antioch area.

5. Carex Design Group

Carex Design Group, led by a licensed landscape architect, offers a more design-heavy approach than traditional contractors. They provide a unique “design-only” package for those who want to manage their own installation or bid the work out to multiple contractors. Their work is characterized by clean lines and modern materials, making them a top choice for the newer, contemporary homes popping up in the Gulch and 12 South. They focus on “smart design,” ensuring every square inch of a lot is utilized effectively.

Architect-Led Design: Professional blueprints that meet all local building codes and zoning requirements.
Project Management: Optional service to oversee contractors and ensure the design is followed exactly.
Modern Material Palette: Frequent use of corten steel, porcelain pavers, and monochromatic gravels.
DIY Support: Consultation services for homeowners who want to perform their own planting or small-scale work.

Current Price: Design plans start at $1,000 (As of February 2026). Full project oversight varies by scope.

Pros: High-level architectural precision; unbiased contractor recommendations; perfect for contemporary or minimalist styles.

Cons: They are primarily designers, not the physical labor force; requires coordination with a separate installation team.

Best For: Homeowners wanting a professional architectural plan before committing to a specific contractor.

Availability: Remote design services available; on-site consultations across Nashville and Knoxville.

6. BIG Landscape

BIG Landscape specializes in taking “blank slate” new constructions and turning them into mature, settled environments. In the rapidly developing suburbs of Nashville, they are the go-to for comprehensive front and back yard installations. They focus on balance, ensuring that the hardscape doesn’t overpower the greenery. Their pricing is structured in tiers, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets without compromising the professional quality of the build.

New Construction Packages: Tiered pricing specifically designed for homes with no existing landscaping.
Soil Amendment: Extensive focus on tilling and amending Nashville’s clay soil before any planting occurs.
3D Walkthroughs: Digital experiences that allow clients to “walk” through their new yard before installation.
Privacy Screening: Expertise in installing mature evergreens like Green Giant Arborvitae for immediate privacy.

Current Price: $8,000 – $120,000 (As of February 2026). Basic design packages start at $800.

Pros: Very transparent pricing tiers; great at creating privacy in crowded developments; excellent digital design tools.

Cons: Can feel more “formulaic” than bespoke boutiques; heavy focus on common popular plants rather than rare species.

Best For: New homeowners in subdivisions needing a full, high-quality landscape and hardscape setup quickly.

Availability: Williamson County and South Nashville.

7. Smart Landscape

As their name suggests, Smart Landscape focuses on the integration of technology and modern efficiency in the garden. They are leaders in xeriscaping—the practice of creating beautiful landscapes that require little to no supplemental irrigation. For Nashville homeowners tired of high water bills and the constant battle with brown lawns, Smart Landscape offers a refreshing, low-maintenance alternative using rockeries, succulents, and drought-resistant native grasses.

Xeriscaping Experts: Design and installation of low-water-use gardens that survive Tennessee droughts.
Artificial Turf: Premium synthetic grass installations that look realistic and drain perfectly.
Smart Lighting/Irrigation: Full integration of smartphone-controlled systems for outdoor maintenance.
Drainage Solutions: Advanced French drains and dry creek beds that are both functional and aesthetic.

Current Price: $6,500 – $55,000 (As of February 2026). Xeriscaping typically costs $5-$20 per square foot.

Pros: Dramatic reduction in long-term maintenance costs; extremely modern look; environmentally responsible design.

Cons: Higher initial material costs for stone and specialized turf; aesthetic may not fit historic or colonial-style homes.

Best For: Tech-forward homeowners seeking low-maintenance, water-efficient outdoor spaces.

Availability: Serving Nashville, Mt. Juliet, and Hermitage.

8. H&H Landscaping

H&H Landscaping is a mid-sized firm that offers a more personal, hands-on experience than the massive design-build firms. The owners are often on-site, ensuring that every detail of the masonry and planting meets their standards. They are specialists in hardscaping specifically, with a focus on interlocking pavers for driveways and walkways. Their work is characterized by durability, using high-end base materials to prevent the shifting and cracking common in Nashville’s expansive soil.

Paver Driveways: High-durability interlocking systems designed to withstand heavy vehicle traffic.
Retaining Walls: Structural engineering for steep lots to create usable level ground.
Sod and Grading: Laser-level grading for perfect drainage and lush lawn establishment.
Outdoor Fireplaces: Custom stone masonry for wood-burning or gas fire features.

Current Price: $5,000 – $60,000 (As of February 2026). Retaining walls average $25 – $45 per linear foot.

Pros: Very strong attention to structural detail; owner-operated feel; highly durable construction methods.

Cons: Smaller design department; fewer “luxury” add-ons like pools or cabanas; limited plant selection expertise.

Best For: Homeowners needing high-quality, durable hardscape structures at a fair price.

Availability: Serving Davidson County and surrounding areas.

9. Nashscapes

Nashscapes caters to the “Urban Nashville” market, specializing in small-lot transformations. They understand the challenges of limited access, tight zoning, and the need for vertical interest in smaller backyards found in East Nashville and the Nations. They excel at creating “pocket parks” and small-scale retreats that maximize every inch of a property using raised beds, custom fencing, and multi-functional seating.

Small Space Specialists: Designs specifically tailored for urban lots under 0.25 acres.
Vertical Gardening: Use of trellises, green walls, and tiered planters to add privacy and greenery.
Permeable Hardscapes: Helping clients meet strict urban stormwater runoff requirements with permeable pavers.
Modern Fencing: Custom horizontal slats and modern metal fencing for security and style.

Current Price: $4,000 – $45,000 (As of February 2026). Urban backyard refreshes average $12,000.

Pros: Experts at navigating urban logistics; highly creative small-space solutions; very stylish and trendy aesthetics.

Cons: Not equipped for large rural estates; higher cost per square foot due to urban logistics and manual labor.

Best For: Urban residents with small lots wanting high-style, private outdoor retreats.

Availability: East Nashville, The Nations, 12 South, and Sylvan Park.

10. Southern Turf Co.

Southern Turf Co. has become the leading specialist for synthetic grass in Nashville. While many companies offer turf as an add-on, Southern Turf focuses exclusively on artificial applications. This specialization allows them to offer the most realistic products and advanced installation techniques for pets, putting greens, and high-traffic areas. They are the ideal partner for homeowners who want a “perfect green lawn” year-round without the chemical or labor inputs required for natural grass.

Pet-Specific Turf: Specialized antimicrobial infill and drainage systems for dog-friendly yards.
Custom Putting Greens: Professional-grade surfaces with custom contouring and fringe.
Safety Surfaces: Padded turf options for under-playground equipment.
Commercial Grade: High-durability products for shared spaces or rental properties.

Current Price: $8 – $20 per square foot installed (As of February 2026). Small putting greens average $5,000 – $9,000.

Pros: Best-in-class turf quality; specialized crews; eliminates mowing and fertilizing; perfect drainage in wet weather.

Cons: No “softscaping” or plant services; high initial investment; can get hot in direct summer sun.

Best For: Dog owners, golfers, and those wanting a 100% maintenance-free lawn.

Availability: Tennessee-wide service area.

Pricing Comparison and Selection Guide

Choosing between these professionals depends heavily on the scale of your project and your long-term maintenance goals. If your priority is a massive structural change like a pool or a tiered stone terrace, Milosi or The Greathouse Company are the most experienced in heavy engineering. For those focused on modern aesthetics and sustainability, Gardens of Babylon or Smart Landscape offer the most forward-thinking designs. If you have a small urban plot, Nashscapes provides the specialized logistics needed for narrow access and tight spaces.

Entry-Level Projects ($5k – $15k): Focus on sod installation, basic mulching, small paver patios, and privacy screen plantings. Allin Landscaping or H&H Landscaping are strong contenders here.
Mid-Range Projects ($20k – $60k): Includes custom outdoor kitchens, medium-scale hardscaping, advanced lighting, and complete plant bed overhauls. Gardens of Babylon or Smart Landscape excel in this bracket.
Luxury Projects ($75k+): Involves custom pools, multi-level masonry, expansive stone work, and full-property irrigation/lighting systems. Milosi and The Greathouse Company are the regional leaders for this scale.

When selecting a contractor, always ask for a detailed “Scope of Work” that includes soil preparation. In Nashville, simply placing sod or plants on top of the native clay will lead to failure. A reputable company will always include tilling, soil amendments, and a clear drainage plan in their estimate. Additionally, verify that any hardscape contractor uses a minimum 6-inch compacted gravel base for patios to prevent the shifting caused by Tennessee’s expansive clay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to start a landscaping project in Nashville?

While most homeowners think of spring, the best time to start a major project in Nashville is actually late fall or early winter. This allows for hardscaping to be completed without the intense summer heat, and it gives trees and shrubs a full winter to establish root systems before the Tennessee summer humidity hits. Starting in the “off-season” also typically means shorter wait times for elite contractors.

How much does a custom patio cost in Nashville?

As of 2026, a professionally installed paver patio in the Nashville area typically costs between $15 and $35 per square foot, depending on the material (concrete pavers vs. natural stone) and the amount of grading required. A standard 20×20 foot patio usually ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 when accounting for the necessary base preparation and labor.

Do I need a permit for hardscaping in my backyard?

In Metro Nashville, most simple patios and walkways do not require a building permit. However, retaining walls over four feet in height, swimming pools, and any structure with a roof (like a pavilion) will require a permit and an inspection. Always ensure your contractor is handling the permitting process with the local codes office to avoid future legal issues when selling your home.

Why is drainage so important for Nashville landscapes?

Nashville sits in a basin with dense clay soil that does not absorb water quickly. Without proper drainage like French drains, dry creek beds, or appropriate grading, heavy Tennessee rains can lead to standing water that kills plants and damages home foundations. A professional landscape design should always treat water management as its first priority.

How do I maintain my new landscape in the Tennessee heat?

The most critical factor is deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours. Using a smart irrigation system with a rain sensor helps prevent over-watering, which can lead to root rot in clay soil. Mulching annually with double-ground hardwood mulch is also essential to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature during July and August.

What are the most popular plants for Nashville gardens in 2026?

Native species continue to lead the trends because of their resilience. Popular choices include the Tennessee Coneflower, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Green Giant Arborvitae for privacy, and native grasses like Little Bluestem. These plants are adapted to the local climate and require significantly less maintenance than non-native species.

Conclusion

Creating a premium outdoor space in Nashville requires a delicate balance of architectural precision and horticultural expertise. By selecting a contractor who understands the specific environmental demands of Middle Tennessee—from the clay soil to the intense seasonal shifts—you ensure that your investment will grow in beauty and value over time. Whether you choose a high-tech xeriscaped retreat or a lush, traditional Southern garden, the professionals listed in this guide provide the reliability and craftsmanship needed to turn your vision into a reality. In 2026, the Nashville landscape is more than just a yard; it is a vital extension of the home that offers a sanctuary from the bustling city while reflecting the unique spirit of the region.