Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Des Plaines, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose 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 Des Plaines Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include pruning, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.

Look for a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Des Plaines city government. Your provider may 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will usually have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on 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 mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are 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 is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Des Plaines

Generally, landscaping costs $34–$51 per hour in Des Plaines. 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. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,185 - $17,580
Landscaping Design	$2,580 - $3,440
Landscaping LandGrading	$453 - $2,717
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $136
Planting FlowerBeds	$91 - $1,811
Planting Trees	$237 - $396
Sodding	$45 - $54
Swimming Pool	$34,418 - $90,573