Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Apple Valley, MN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

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

Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Apple Valley Landscaping Company

Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Your provider may have 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 Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work 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 projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Apple Valley

Landscaping in Apple Valley generally costs between $28 and $41 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$14,448 - $19,264
Landscaping Design	$2,082 - $2,776
Landscaping LandGrading	$423 - $2,540
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $127
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,694
Planting Trees	$222 - $370
Sodding	$42 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,178 - $84,678