Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Evanston, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

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 professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills 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 Evanston Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Evanston 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, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Landscaping contractors typically have liability insurance to protect 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

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plant life (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

Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Evanston

Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in Evanston. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,574 - $16,766
Landscaping Design	$2,125 - $2,834
Landscaping LandGrading	$426 - $2,556
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,704
Planting Trees	$223 - $372
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,372 - $85,190