Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Elgin, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Elgin Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Elgin 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 might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Landscaping contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Your contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can 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

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

Landscaping Costs in Elgin

Generally, landscaping costs $34–$51 per hour in Elgin. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive 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 or complex projects need more labor, which will increase costs. 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