Best 5 Landscaping Companies in St. Cloud, MN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.

You can do some landscaping projects yourself. 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 total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which 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 maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an St. Cloud Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Plan to hire a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It might also 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. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Landscaping contractors should have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check 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 mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plant life (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 multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in St. Cloud

Landscaping in St. Cloud generally costs between $21 and $31 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,561 - $16,747
Landscaping Design	$1,569 - $2,092
Landscaping LandGrading	$393 - $2,358
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $118
Planting FlowerBeds	$79 - $1,572
Planting Trees	$206 - $343
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,866 - $78,595