Best 5 Landscaping Companies in St. Cloud, FL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an St. Cloud Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as pruning, mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.

You want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the St. Cloud city government. It may also have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should opt for native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in St. Cloud

Generally, landscaping costs $23–$34 per hour in St. Cloud. These costs vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,516 - $15,355
Landscaping Design	$1,739 - $2,319
Landscaping LandGrading	$403 - $2,418
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,612
Planting Trees	$211 - $352
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,633 - $80,614