Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Waterloo, 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 heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Waterloo Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Waterloo city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:

• 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, including 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. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Waterloo

In Waterloo, you should expect to pay around $17–$26 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,089 - $16,119
Landscaping Design	$1,305 - $1,741
Landscaping LandGrading	$377 - $2,264
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $113
Planting FlowerBeds	$75 - $1,509
Planting Trees	$198 - $330
Sodding	$38 - $45
Swimming Pool	$28,680 - $75,472