DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Kenosha Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mulching—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Kenosha city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might employ the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing 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, make recommendations, and review 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 Kenosha
Generally, landscaping costs $27–$40 per hour in Kenosha. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,946 - $15,928 |
Landscaping Design | $2,016 - $2,688 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $419 - $2,517 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,678 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $367 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,881 - $83,898 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Kenosha
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.