Van Zelst Inc.

- 1001 Green Bay Rd Suite 202, Winnetka, IL 60093

For discerning homeowners and commercial property managers throughout the Illinois North Shore and greater Chicagoland area, finding a truly comprehensive general contractor for superior outdoor design, construction, and maintenance is essential. Van Zelst Inc., with its foundation as a premier Landscape Architect and Landscape Designer, represents the pinnacle of this expertise. Operating out of Winnetka, IL, this firm provides an end-to-end service, seamlessly integrating creative design with flawless execution—a rare find in the local industry.

Established on the core principle of enhancing the natural beauty of the outdoors to create more livable and memorable spaces, Van Zelst Inc. is far from a standard 'mow and blow' lawn service. They are full-service design/build professionals who manage every stage of a project. From the initial site analysis and creation of a detailed landscaping plan to the expert installation of complex hardscape elements, planting of high-quality material from their own nursery, and meticulous ongoing landscaping maintenance, they serve as the single, reliable point of contact for every outdoor vision.

Local Illinois clients consistently choose Van Zelst Inc. because of the palpable quality difference. As noted in customer reviews, while they may not always be the least expensive option, the value is clear in the quality and size of the plant material selected, the efficiency and cleanliness of the work crew, and the attentive follow-up from professionals like David Van Zelst and Brian Robinson. This commitment to superior materials and service ensures long-term viability and maximum impact for your investment.

Van Zelst Inc. is ideally situated in Winnetka, Illinois, placing them in a prime position to serve the North Shore and surrounding high-end residential and commercial areas of Chicagoland. Their office is designed to welcome clients, ensuring a comfortable and professional environment for initial consultations and project reviews.

The main contact information and location details are:

Address: 1001 Green Bay Rd Suite 202, Winnetka, IL 60093, USA

A notable feature of this location, demonstrating their commitment to serving all community members, is the attention to physical access:

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot is provided, ensuring that all clients have easy access for consultations and meetings to discuss their landscape design aspirations.

To schedule a free consultation, discuss a potential design/build project, or inquire about their maintenance programs, clients in Illinois can contact the team directly:

Phone: (847) 623-3580

Mobile Phone: +1 847-623-3580

Van Zelst Inc. operates as a true landscape architect and general contractor hybrid, offering an incredibly broad range of services that encompass creative design, expert construction, and consistent maintenance. Their offerings cover everything needed to build and sustain extraordinary outdoor environments for residential and commercial landscaping projects:

• Comprehensive Landscape Design & Planning: Services include detailed landscape design, site analysis, creating a full landscaping plan, and serving as a dedicated design consultant. They specialize in creating environmentally friendly landscaping solutions.
• Landscape Construction and Installation (Design/Build): Full service from concept to completion, managing landscape installations, planting beds, and the construction of specialized features. This includes all aspects of landscaping projects and new construction work.
• Hardscape Expertise: Design and hardscape installation for enduring, functional outdoor structures, such as retaining walls, permeable pavers, and detailed hardscape plans.
• Outdoor Living Area Creation: Designing and building luxurious extensions of the home, including outdoor living spaces, bespoke outdoor kitchens, elegant fireplaces and fire pits (with dedicated fire features), and sophisticated outdoor lighting systems.
• Specialty Features: Incorporating unique elements like intricate outdoor water feature design, French drains for optimal water management, and visually striking living walls.
• Horticultural and Garden Services: Meticulous care for plant health and beauty, including custom garden designs, garden maintenance, planting of flower beds, tree preservation, and essential tree removal services. They also provide seasonal color arrangements.
• Lawn and Irrigation Maintenance: Basic but critical services like regular lawn mowing & maintenance, comprehensive lawn care, and irrigation system repair & maintenance to ensure the health of all plant material. Fall clean-up is also provided for seasonal readiness.
• Holiday Lighting: Professional holiday lighting services to bring seasonal cheer to properties in the colder Illinois months.

What sets Van Zelst Inc. apart as an elite landscape contractor and general contractor for outdoor spaces are the following key differentiators:

• Award-Winning Landscape Architecture: The company has received numerous awards and accolades, including recognition from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), attesting to the industry-leading quality of their designs and construction.
• Commitment to High-Quality Materials: They utilize their own nursery, Christina Farms, to grow much of their plant stock, ensuring the highest quality, size, and health of the perennials and shrubs used in their installations. This directly contributes to the long-term success of the landscape.
• Integrated Design/Build Approach: By handling both the landscape design and the installation (Design/Build), they guarantee a streamlined process, ensuring the final product perfectly matches the original, professional plan—a significant advantage over firms that outsource construction.
• Exemplary Customer Service and Follow-Up: Key personnel, including David Van Zelst and project leaders like Brian Robinson, are deeply involved, providing attentive check-ins during installation and even a year later to ensure client satisfaction and plant health. The replacement of plants that have died is handled proactively.
• Expertise in High-End and Complex Projects: They are adept at handling large-scale, intricate landscaping projects, from complete redesigns of existing gardens with issues like bare ground and dead plants to new construction landscaping and the creation of elaborate outdoor living areas with water and fire features.
• Professional and Efficient Crews: Customers consistently praise the work crews for being "pleasant, very efficient," and exceptional at clean-up, leaving the work site pristine upon completion.

For Illinois residents in the North Shore and surrounding Chicago suburbs who are ready to invest in a premium, enduring outdoor environment, Van Zelst Inc. offers undeniable value. Their function as an integrated landscape architect and general contractor means clients bypass the complexities and potential miscommunications of coordinating multiple firms. They provide a cohesive vision and execution that guarantees a high-quality outcome, from the soil preparation to the final flourish of a seasonal planting.

The customer testimonials perfectly illustrate why the initial investment is worthwhile. Clients receive not just a service, but a partnership. David Van Zelst and his team listen carefully to individual needs—such as the desire for "ongoing color and interest" or the need to meet strict neighborhood association requirements—and deliver a result that meets or exceeds those expectations. The assurance of a dedicated team, top-tier plant quality, a warranty on plant material (as demonstrated by proactive replacements), and a "manned" approach to project oversight is what truly differentiates this company. Choosing Van Zelst Inc. means choosing peace of mind, professional integrity, and an award-winning, functional, and stunning transformation of your outdoor space that will be enjoyed for decades.

Van Zelst Inc.

1001 Green Bay Rd Suite 202, Winnetka, IL 60093, USA