Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Grand Rapids, MI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living 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 Grand Rapids Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Grand Rapids city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscapers normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Grand Rapids

Landscaping in Grand Rapids generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,649 - $16,866
Landscaping Design	$1,826 - $2,434
Landscaping LandGrading	$408 - $2,449
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,633
Planting Trees	$214 - $357
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,022 - $81,637