Best 4 Landscaping Companies in Grand Forks, ND

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A 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 expensive DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Grand Forks Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaping company 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 shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mulching—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Grand Forks city government. The company 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 might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Try to find a provider with a good 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. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request 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

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Grand Forks

Landscaping in Grand Forks generally costs between $19 and $28 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,905 - $15,873
Landscaping Design	$1,401 - $1,868
Landscaping LandGrading	$383 - $2,298
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $115
Planting FlowerBeds	$77 - $1,532
Planting Trees	$201 - $335
Sodding	$38 - $46
Swimming Pool	$29,109 - $76,603