Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bloomington City, 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.

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bloomington City Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bloomington City city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

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

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Bloomington City

Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Bloomington City. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,147 - $16,197
Landscaping Design	$1,810 - $2,413
Landscaping LandGrading	$407 - $2,443
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,629
Planting Trees	$213 - $356
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$30,950 - $81,448