Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lakewood, OH

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose 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 expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lakewood Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Lakewood city government. It may also 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, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscaping contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Any contractor you hire should be fully insured and bonded. 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. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Lakewood

In Lakewood, you can expect to spend approximately $26–$39 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks like mowing and gardening. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

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