Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Iowa City, IA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Iowa City Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Iowa City 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 may also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge 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

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should opt for native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Iowa City

Landscaping in Iowa City generally costs between $25 and $38 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,219 - $16,292
Landscaping Design	$1,910 - $2,546
Landscaping LandGrading	$413 - $2,479
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,653
Planting Trees	$216 - $361
Sodding	$41 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,400 - $82,633