Best 4 Landscaping Companies in Rapid City, SD

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.

You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Rapid City Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Rapid City city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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, 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. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

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 unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices may include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Rapid City

Landscaping typically costs $19–$29 per hour in Rapid City, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,813 - $15,751
Landscaping Design	$1,439 - $1,919
Landscaping LandGrading	$385 - $2,312
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $116
Planting FlowerBeds	$77 - $1,541
Planting Trees	$202 - $337
Sodding	$39 - $46
Swimming Pool	$29,283 - $77,061