Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Gary, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Gary Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Gary city government. It 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. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work 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 projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Gary

Generally, landscaping costs $23–$35 per hour in Gary. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,264 - $16,351
Landscaping Design	$1,755 - $2,340
Landscaping LandGrading	$404 - $2,424
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,616
Planting Trees	$212 - $353
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,705 - $80,802