Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Decatur, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Decatur Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Decatur 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 may also have 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. Landscapers typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Your provider should be fully insured and bonded. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Decatur

Landscaping typically costs $20–$30 per hour in Decatur, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,738 - $15,650
Landscaping Design	$1,508 - $2,010
Landscaping LandGrading	$389 - $2,336
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $117
Planting FlowerBeds	$78 - $1,557
Planting Trees	$204 - $340
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,590 - $77,868