Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Madison, WI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Madison Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper 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, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Madison city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping contractors normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of 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 off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper 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

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Madison

In Madison, you should expect to spend approximately $26–$39 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than easier tasks like mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,390 - $17,853
Landscaping Design	$1,948 - $2,598
Landscaping LandGrading	$415 - $2,493
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,662
Planting Trees	$218 - $363
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,574 - $83,090