Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Akron, OH

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Akron Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include fertilizing, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Akron city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded; most providers have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. 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.

Landscaping Costs in Akron

Generally, landscaping costs $25–$37 per hour in Akron. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects require 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 affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,810 - $17,080
Landscaping Design	$1,887 - $2,516
Landscaping LandGrading	$412 - $2,471
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,647
Planting Trees	$216 - $360
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,298 - $82,363