Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Ames, IA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.

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 create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. 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 Ames Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include pruning, fertilizing, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Ames city government. It might also 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. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscapers normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Any contractor you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Ames

Generally, landscaping costs $25–$38 per hour in Ames. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,694 - $16,925
Landscaping Design	$1,905 - $2,540
Landscaping LandGrading	$413 - $2,477
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,652
Planting Trees	$216 - $361
Sodding	$41 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,380 - $82,579