DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Arvada Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the Arvada city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Try to find a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Arvada
Landscaping typically costs $29–$44 per hour in Arvada, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,404 - $17,872 |
Landscaping Design | $2,230 - $2,973 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $432 - $2,593 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,729 |
Planting Trees | $226 - $378 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,843 - $86,428 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Arvada
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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