Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bloomington, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bloomington Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, 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, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Bloomington city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. 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. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Bloomington

Landscaping in Bloomington generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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