DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, 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, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Aurora Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mowing, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
You'll want full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Aurora city government. It may 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 a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plant life (such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Aurora
Generally, landscaping costs $31–$46 per hour in Aurora. These costs vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $14,274 - $19,032 |
Landscaping Design | $2,339 - $3,119 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $439 - $2,632 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $132 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $88 - $1,754 |
Planting Trees | $230 - $383 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,334 - $87,720 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Aurora
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.