Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Northfield, 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 DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how 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 Northfield Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. 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 have the appropriate licenses from the Northfield city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider might employ 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded; most contractors have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Northfield

In Northfield, you should expect to pay approximately $30–$45 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks such as gardening and mowing. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,649 - $16,866
Landscaping Design	$2,293 - $3,058
Landscaping LandGrading	$436 - $2,615
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $131
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,744
Planting Trees	$228 - $381
Sodding	$44 - $52
Swimming Pool	$33,129 - $87,182