Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lee's Summit, MO

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper. Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lee's Summit Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaping company 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 hiring a landscaping contractor.

• Services Offered

  Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including pruning, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services. You want a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, 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 like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Lee's Summit city government. 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as 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 typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

• Reputation and Reviews

  Look for a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider 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

  Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past 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

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

• Cost

  You should request quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and might 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 includes information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.