Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Joliet, 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 heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.

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

Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Joliet Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Joliet city government. It might also 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its 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, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Joliet

Landscaping in Joliet generally costs between $30 and $45 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Larger 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	$12,806 - $17,075
Landscaping Design	$2,248 - $2,997
Landscaping LandGrading	$433 - $2,599
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $130
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,733
Planting Trees	$227 - $379
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$32,924 - $86,643