Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Elmhurst, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These 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 Elmhurst Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaping company 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 hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as pruning, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Elmhurst city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider might employ 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 Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify 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. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Elmhurst

Generally, landscaping costs $34–$51 per hour in Elmhurst. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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