Best 5 Landscaping Companies in West Lafayette, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires 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.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an West Lafayette Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the West Lafayette city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Most providers have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. 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

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

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in West Lafayette

In West Lafayette, you can expect to pay roughly $20–$30 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks such as mowing and gardening. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,178 - $14,904
Landscaping Design	$1,505 - $2,007
Landscaping LandGrading	$389 - $2,335
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $117
Planting FlowerBeds	$78 - $1,557
Planting Trees	$204 - $340
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,580 - $77,841