Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Southfield, MI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require 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 total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Southfield Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.

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 gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Southfield 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors usually have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company'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 choose a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. 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 opt for 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 pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Southfield

Landscaping in Southfield generally costs between $30 and $45 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,236 - $17,649
Landscaping Design	$2,278 - $3,037
Landscaping LandGrading	$435 - $2,610
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $130
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,740
Planting Trees	$228 - $380
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$33,057 - $86,993