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

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

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living 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 Oak Park Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Oak Park 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Your contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Oak Park

Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Oak Park, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down 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