DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably 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 necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who 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 Grand Junction Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before picking a company. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include fertilizing, pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Grand Junction city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request the company'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 is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plants (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
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Grand Junction
Generally, landscaping costs $23–$35 per hour in Grand Junction. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger 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 | $12,045 - $16,060 |
Landscaping Design | $1,753 - $2,337 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $404 - $2,423 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,616 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $353 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,695 - $80,775 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Grand Junction
What are 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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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