Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bloomington, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bloomington Landscaping Company

You want to find 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 considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bloomington city government. It may also have 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 bonded and insured. Most providers have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should use native plants (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Bloomington

Generally, landscaping costs $21–$32 per hour in Bloomington. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,018 - $16,024
Landscaping Design	$1,592 - $2,122
Landscaping LandGrading	$394 - $2,366
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $118
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,577
Planting Trees	$207 - $345
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,968 - $78,864