Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bloomington, MN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape designers and architects 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 knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bloomington Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include pruning, mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. 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, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will typically 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

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should select native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Bloomington

Generally, landscaping costs $29–$44 per hour in Bloomington. These costs vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. 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	$13,639 - $18,186
Landscaping Design	$2,219 - $2,958
Landscaping LandGrading	$431 - $2,589
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $129
Planting FlowerBeds	$86 - $1,726
Planting Trees	$226 - $377
Sodding	$43 - $52
Swimming Pool	$32,791 - $86,293