Best 5 Landscaping Companies in St. Clair Shores, MI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. 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 architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an St. Clair Shores Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

Choose a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the St. Clair Shores city government. It may also have 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Most providers have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on 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. Stay away from companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

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 projects and designs, 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

Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in St. Clair Shores

Generally, landscaping costs $30–$44 per hour in St. Clair Shores. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,827 - $17,102
Landscaping Design	$2,239 - $2,985
Landscaping LandGrading	$433 - $2,596
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $130
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,731
Planting Trees	$227 - $378
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$32,884 - $86,536