Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Indianapolis, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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 landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Indianapolis Landscaping Company

Look for 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

Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Indianapolis 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, 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 is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers 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

Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Indianapolis

Generally, landscaping costs $26–$40 per hour in Indianapolis. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,868 - $17,157
Landscaping Design	$2,005 - $2,673
Landscaping LandGrading	$419 - $2,513
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,675
Planting Trees	$219 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,830 - $83,763