Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Carmel, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend 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 expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Carmel Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, 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 provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and fertilizing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Carmel 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

Reputation and Reviews

Try to find a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see 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

A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should select native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Carmel

Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Carmel, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type: