Best 5 Landscaping Companies in St. Charles, MO

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an St. Charles Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations 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—such as pruning, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the St. Charles city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider might 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. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will usually have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper 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, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

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 better price.

Landscaping Costs in St. Charles

Landscaping in St. Charles generally costs between $27 and $40 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. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,332 - $16,442
Landscaping Design	$2,014 - $2,685
Landscaping LandGrading	$419 - $2,516
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,677
Planting Trees	$220 - $367
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,871 - $83,871