Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Kettering, OH

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.

You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. 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 total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Kettering Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

Plan to hire 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 designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Kettering city government. Your provider may have 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, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper 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 confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Kettering

Landscaping in Kettering generally costs between $26 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 gardening or mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,485 - $16,647
Landscaping Design	$1,996 - $2,661
Landscaping LandGrading	$418 - $2,510
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,673
Planting Trees	$219 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,789 - $83,655