Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Indianapolis, IN

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate 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 looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Indianapolis Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Look for a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. 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 landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Indianapolis city government. It may 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 National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors will usually have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of 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 photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

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 go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Indianapolis

Landscaping typically costs $26–$40 per hour in Indianapolis, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,868 - $17,157
Landscaping Design	$2,005 - $2,673
Landscaping LandGrading	$419 - $2,513
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,675
Planting Trees	$219 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,830 - $83,763