Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Portage, MI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose 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 Portage Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, pruning, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Portage city government. Contractors often 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 might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Most contractors have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Portage

Generally, landscaping costs $23–$35 per hour in Portage. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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