Landscape Design

It’s Landscaping Season: How to Hire a Good Landscaping Contractor

April 13, 2026

Hiring a landscaping contractor isn’t a particularly difficult task, but evaluating the qualifications and business practices of a company or individual does require some effort. It’s important to do your research as a consumer to ensure you choose a contractor that aligns with your needs and expectations. The 6 steps below can provide a kind of roadmap for your search so you don’t get lost in the weeds.

1. Start by Assessing Your Needs

Before you begin your search, try to define the scope of work you’re looking for. Would you prefer a local company? Do you simply need a company to mow your lawn weekly, or are you looking for more comprehensive services such as:

  • Property enhancements and design plans
  • Planting seasonal flowers or perennial gardens
  • Container pot services
  • Lawn and plant fertilization
  • Weeding and pruning
  • Outdoor lighting, audio and video assistance

Landscape companies vary widely in size and the types of services they provide. You will find that some focus on basic lawn care, while others offer comprehensive maintenance packages. These typically include spring and fall cleanups, weekly grounds service, fertilization, insect control, pruning, irrigation, snow removal, and more.

2. Prioritize Full-Service Landscaping Companies

Choosing a full-service company is often the best approach since they can handle all of your landscaping needs year round. Because you will likely be receiving weekly visits to your home, selecting the right one is crucial for long-term satisfaction.

A full-service landscaping company can help you care for your property throughout the year, not just in spring or summer. Vital services these companies usually cover include:

  • Weekly grounds service: Mowing, debris removal, pruning, and weeding.
  • Seasonal plant maintenance: Caring for perennial and annual beds.
  • Lawn aeration: Improving soil conditions and reducing thatch.
  • Fertilization programs: Applied by licensed professionals to ensure your lawn and plants thrive.
  • Insect and disease control: Preventive and curative measures to address issues like grubs, boxwood blight, and deer or rabbit damage.
  • Additional services: Design-build plans, snow removal, irrigation, outdoor lighting, and other miscellaneous services.

3. Evaluate Services Provided by Landscape Contractors

Once you’ve outlined your needs, it’s time to dig into your search. Keep an eye out for websites that indicate the company is established and takes pride in its work. A company’s website can provide valuable insights into their offerings, expertise, and professionalism.

Look for the following on their website:

  • Range of services: Are they a full-service landscape company offering everything from design and maintenance to irrigation, lighting, and snow removal?
  • Credentials and experience: How many years have they been in business? Do they employ Certified Landscape Technicians, horticulturists, or other licensed professionals? Do they carry business insurance including workman’s compensation?
  • Community engagement: Do they support charitable organizations or local initiatives? Are they board members of local organizations?

4. Compare Proposals Carefully

Once you have an idea of what you need this spring and summer, reach out to a few different contenders to solicit ideas and estimates. Don’t be shy about requesting detailed written proposals from the companies you are interested in using. Getting specific descriptions of each company’s services will make it a lot easier to make comparable assessments and eliminate unpleasant surprises.

5. Ask Questions and Communicate Your Needs

Do not hesitate to ask questions during the selection process! Be upfront about your needs, expectations, and budget. Open communication will help you find a company that’s the right fit. What you want is a partnership so that you will be satisfied with the work they do for years to come.

6. Get a Quote from Sheldon Landscapes For Illinois & Wisconsin Properties

If you want a highly experienced partner to handle all of your landscaping needs, give Schmechtig Landscapes a call. Our specialists are more than happy to answer all of your planting and landscape design questions.

Contact Schmechtig Landscape to get started on a beautiful landscape today!

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