Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Normal, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.

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

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Normal Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

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

A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Normal city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, 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

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Normal

Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Normal. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects: