Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Milwaukee, WI

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Milwaukee Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Milwaukee city government. It may 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should implement plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Milwaukee

Landscaping in Milwaukee generally costs between $27 and $40 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,810 - $17,080
Landscaping Design	$2,010 - $2,679
Landscaping LandGrading	$419 - $2,515
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,676
Planting Trees	$220 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,850 - $83,817