DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Highlands Ranch Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Highlands Ranch city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose 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
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Highlands Ranch
Generally, landscaping costs $34–$51 per hour in Highlands Ranch. These figures 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. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,298 - $17,731 |
Landscaping Design | $2,557 - $3,409 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $452 - $2,709 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $135 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $90 - $1,806 |
Planting Trees | $237 - $395 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,316 - $90,304 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Highlands Ranch
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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