Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Columbia, MO

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Columbia Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Columbia city government. Your provider may employ 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.

Landscaping Costs in Columbia

Landscaping typically costs $13–$20 per hour in Columbia, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,424 - $15,232
Landscaping Design	$1,003 - $1,338
Landscaping LandGrading	$359 - $2,157
Landscaping Mulch	$22 - $108
Planting FlowerBeds	$72 - $1,438
Planting Trees	$188 - $314
Sodding	$36 - $43
Swimming Pool	$27,319 - $71,892