Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lakewood, CO

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lakewood Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and mulching—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Lakewood city government. The company may have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive 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 unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.

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 design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Lakewood

Landscaping in Lakewood generally costs between $29 and $44 per hour. These figures 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 necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may 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	$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