Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Champaign, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.

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

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Champaign Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as pruning, fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Champaign 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a provider with 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 in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide 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 may include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better deal. 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 Champaign

Generally, landscaping costs $23–$35 per hour in Champaign. These prices 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's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,031 - $16,042
Landscaping Design	$1,778 - $2,371
Landscaping LandGrading	$405 - $2,432
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,621
Planting Trees	$212 - $354
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$30,807 - $81,071