Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Thornton, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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 looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Thornton Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

You'll need a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should possess the appropriate licenses from the Thornton 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

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure 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 previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are 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 water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. 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 impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote will 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 Thornton

Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Thornton, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

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