Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Elkhart, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Elkhart Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mulching, fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Elkhart city government. Your provider may employ 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most providers have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that 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 poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, 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

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include waste management, water conservation, 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. Any work on your property shouldn't impact 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

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Elkhart

Landscaping typically costs $23–$34 per hour in Elkhart, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,451 - $16,602
Landscaping Design	$1,730 - $2,307
Landscaping LandGrading	$403 - $2,415
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,610
Planting Trees	$211 - $352
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,592 - $80,506