Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lawrence, KS

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lawrence Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Lawrence 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 may also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (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 quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Lawrence

Landscaping in Lawrence generally costs between $20 and $30 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,465 - $15,286
Landscaping Design	$1,508 - $2,010
Landscaping LandGrading	$389 - $2,336
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $117
Planting FlowerBeds	$78 - $1,557
Planting Trees	$204 - $340
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,590 - $77,868