Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Kalamazoo, MI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Kalamazoo Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Kalamazoo city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider might employ the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors will normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor'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 own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct 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 better price.

Landscaping Costs in Kalamazoo

Landscaping in Kalamazoo generally costs between $23 and $35 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,475 - $16,634
Landscaping Design	$1,746 - $2,328
Landscaping LandGrading	$403 - $2,421
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,614
Planting Trees	$211 - $353
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,664 - $80,694