Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lakeville, MN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lakeville Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. 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

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mulching, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and controlling weeds—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

You'll want 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 upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. 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

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will normally 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

Try to find a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies 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 should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Lakeville

Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Lakeville, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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