DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Denver Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Denver 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
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should select native plant life—such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Denver
Landscaping in Denver generally costs between $31 and $46 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Denver
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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