Best 5 Landscaping Companies in St. Joseph, MO

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor 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. Joseph Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.

Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the St. Joseph city government. 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Landscapers typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in St. Joseph

Landscaping typically costs $19–$28 per hour in St. Joseph, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,810 - $15,746
Landscaping Design	$1,403 - $1,871
Landscaping LandGrading	$383 - $2,299
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $115
Planting FlowerBeds	$77 - $1,533
Planting Trees	$201 - $335
Sodding	$38 - $46
Swimming Pool	$29,119 - $76,630