Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Aurora, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Aurora Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

You'll want full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Aurora city government. It might also employ the following certified staff members:

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

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors typically 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

We suggest checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices will include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This lets you compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Aurora

Landscaping in Aurora generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,933 - $17,244
Landscaping Design	$2,119 - $2,825
Landscaping LandGrading	$426 - $2,553
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,702
Planting Trees	$223 - $372
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,341 - $85,109