DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with 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 the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can identify 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 Peoria City Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services might include pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Peoria City city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. 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
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company'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 are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should implement native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Peoria City
Landscaping typically costs $22–$32 per hour in Peoria City, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,380 - $16,506 |
Landscaping Design | $1,637 - $2,183 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $397 - $2,382 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $119 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,588 |
Planting Trees | $208 - $347 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,173 - $79,402 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Peoria City
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.