Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Independence, MO

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise. Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your 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 costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Independence Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

• Services Offered

  Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services. 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. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, 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

  Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Independence city government. The company 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, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors usually 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. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

• Work Portfolio

  Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.

• Sustainability Practices

  Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

• Cost

  Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.