Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Ann Arbor, MI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Ann Arbor Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper depends on several 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 serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mowing, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Ann Arbor city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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 National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. 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 gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plants (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Ann Arbor

Landscaping typically costs $26–$40 per hour in Ann Arbor, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate 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	$13,021 - $17,362
Landscaping Design	$2,003 - $2,670
Landscaping LandGrading	$419 - $2,512
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,675
Planting Trees	$219 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,820 - $83,736