Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Vernon, IL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Vernon Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Vernon 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

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices will include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing 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 about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. 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 lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Vernon

Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Vernon. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

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