Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Columbus, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.

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

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper 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 attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Columbus Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Columbus city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:

• 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. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Columbus

In Columbus, you should expect to spend approximately $25–$38 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,646 - $15,528
Landscaping Design	$1,898 - $2,531
Landscaping LandGrading	$412 - $2,475
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,650
Planting Trees	$216 - $361
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,349 - $82,498