Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Eau Claire, WI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Eau Claire Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

You'll need full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Eau Claire city government. It might also employ 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. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most contractors have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Eau Claire

Generally, landscaping costs $20–$30 per hour in Eau Claire. These costs vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,909 - $15,878
Landscaping Design	$1,519 - $2,025
Landscaping LandGrading	$390 - $2,340
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $117
Planting FlowerBeds	$78 - $1,560
Planting Trees	$204 - $341
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,641 - $78,003