Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Battle Creek, MI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Battle Creek Landscaping Company

Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Choose a full-service landscaping company 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 upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Battle Creek city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. 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 may also have 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. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should choose native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any 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, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Battle Creek

Generally, landscaping costs $18–$27 per hour in Battle Creek. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. 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 cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,291 - $16,388
Landscaping Design	$1,383 - $1,844
Landscaping LandGrading	$382 - $2,292
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $115
Planting FlowerBeds	$76 - $1,528
Planting Trees	$200 - $334
Sodding	$38 - $46
Swimming Pool	$29,027 - $76,388