DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Sierra Vista Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mulching, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and controlling weeds—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Choose a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Sierra Vista city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider might employ the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Sierra Vista
Landscaping in Sierra Vista generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,618 - $15,491 |
Landscaping Design | $1,819 - $2,425 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $408 - $2,447 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,631 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $356 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,991 - $81,556 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Sierra Vista
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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