Macon-Bibb County sits in Georgia’s Piedmont Plateau region, where the red clay soil and warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia define the landscaping environment. The growing season in Macon stretches from late March through November, giving landscapers a long working window but also creating year-round maintenance demand. Macon’s summer highs regularly top 95 degrees and annual rainfall averages around 45 inches, which means irrigation management and drainage solutions are constant concerns for property owners.
The local landscaping market includes companies that serve both residential and commercial sectors. LawnWorks, established over 20 years ago on Cochran Street in south Macon, is known for CAD-based landscape design and seasonal color installations. Moore Outdoor (formerly Argo Moore Landscapes), founded in 2015 by Macon natives, provides custom design-build landscaping from their Fairmont Avenue office. The Macon Telegraph has recognized Cutting Edge Landscaping as the Best Landscaping Company in Middle Georgia for consecutive years. Macon’s mix of historic district properties in Vineville and Ingleside, newer subdivisions in North Macon, and the commercial corridors along Riverside Drive and Zebulon Road keeps local landscapers busy with diverse project types. LawnWorks’ sister company, Liquid Lawn, handles weed control and fertilizer treatments for clients across the Macon and Warner Robins area.
Top-Rated Landscapers in Macon, Georgia
LawnWorks
Adres: 7454 Cochran Street, Macon, GA 31216
Website: lawnworks.me
LawnWorks has operated in Macon for over 20 years, specializing in landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Owner Rick Wallace personally consults, estimates, designs, and oversees every landscape construction project. The company offers CAD full-scale drawings for clients to visualize designs before installation. Services include plant installation, raised garden boxes, large tree installation, privacy plant screens, sod installation, irrigation repair, and landscape lighting. LawnWorks offers weekly and bi-weekly maintenance plans with 24 to 39 visits per year depending on the season.
Moore Outdoor
Adres: 4553 Knight Road, Macon, GA 31220
Website: moore-outdoor.com
Moore Outdoor, formerly known as Argo Moore Landscapes, was founded in 2015 by Macon native Chris Moore. The company provides custom landscape design, installation, and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties. Their team includes four separate crews specializing in installation, irrigation, maintenance, and enhancement. Moore Outdoor offers customized scheduling for maintenance clients, bi-annual seasonal color installation, and pesticide, herbicide, and fertilization spraying. They also build outdoor living spaces including patios and outdoor kitchens.
Cutting Edge Landscaping
Adres: 40 Old Popes Ferry Road, Juliette, GA 31046
Website: cuttingedgelandscaping.org
Serves Macon area, located in Juliette. Founded by former firefighter Jim Bloodworth, Cutting Edge Landscaping has been voted Best Landscaping Company in Middle Georgia by Macon Telegraph readers for consecutive years. The company operates as a full-service landscaper handling design, installation, lawn maintenance, sod, irrigation, sprinkler systems, outdoor lighting, and outdoor living spaces. They serve both residential and commercial clients throughout Central Georgia from their Juliette headquarters.
Landscapers in Macon: Common Questions
What grass types grow best in Macon, GA?
Macon falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, making warm-season grasses the best choice. Bermuda grass is the most common lawn type in Macon due to its heat and drought tolerance, while Zoysia offers a denser, lower-maintenance alternative for shaded properties. Centipede grass is popular for low-maintenance lawns. Fescue and other cool-season grasses struggle in Macon’s extended summer heat and are not recommended for full-sun areas.
How much does landscaping installation cost in Macon, GA?
Landscaping costs in Macon vary widely by project scope. Merritt & Son Landscape, a local design-build firm, reports that their average residential project runs $5,000 to $25,000. Basic sod installation and planting will cost less, while hardscape projects with patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens can run higher. Macon’s labor costs are generally lower than Atlanta. Most Macon landscapers provide free estimates and offer financing options for larger projects.
When should I schedule lawn maintenance in Macon, GA?
In Macon, weekly mowing is typically needed from April through September when warm-season grasses are actively growing. Biweekly service suffices in March, October, November, and December. January and February require only monthly visits. LawnWorks offers a 39-visit plan for weekly service and a 24-visit plan for biweekly care. Pre-emergent weed control should be applied in late February or early March before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees.
How does Macon’s clay soil affect landscaping projects?
Macon’s heavy red clay soil is a significant factor in landscaping work. Clay retains moisture, which can lead to root rot in plants that prefer well-drained soil. It also expands and contracts seasonally, affecting retaining walls and hardscape installations. Professional Macon landscapers often amend clay soil with organic matter before planting and design drainage solutions to prevent water pooling. Raised garden beds are a popular workaround for vegetable gardens in clay-heavy Macon yards.
Do I need a permit for a landscaping project in Macon, GA?
Standard planting, sod installation, and garden design do not require permits in Macon-Bibb County. However, retaining walls over four feet in height, grading that alters drainage patterns, and irrigation system installations connected to the municipal water supply may require permits. Properties in Macon’s designated historic districts may need approval for significant landscape changes that affect the streetscape. Contact Macon-Bibb County’s development services department before starting large hardscape projects.