Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lyons, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lyons Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Lyons city government. It 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 may 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 companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices might include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Lyons

Landscaping in Lyons generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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