Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Cleveland, OH

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Cleveland Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as fertilizing, mulching, mowing, pruning, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide 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 sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Cleveland 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 may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should opt for native plants (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Cleveland

Generally, landscaping costs $26–$39 per hour in Cleveland. These costs vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,810 - $17,080
Landscaping Design	$1,991 - $2,655
Landscaping LandGrading	$418 - $2,508
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,672
Planting Trees	$219 - $365
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,769 - $83,602