Best 5 Landscaping Companies in McHenry, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is 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 doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an McHenry Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. 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, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the McHenry city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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, including 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 insured and bonded. Contractors will 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. You can check 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. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see 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

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in McHenry

Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in McHenry. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,598 - $16,797
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