Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Cedar Rapids, IA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

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

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Cedar Rapids Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Cedar Rapids city government. Most contractors 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, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscaping contractors typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Your contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Cedar Rapids

In Cedar Rapids, you can expect to pay around $22–$32 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks like mowing and gardening. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,141 - $16,188
Landscaping Design	$1,639 - $2,186
Landscaping LandGrading	$397 - $2,383
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $119
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,589
Planting Trees	$208 - $347
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,183 - $79,429