DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Littleton Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.
You'll need a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Littleton city government. It may also have 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 provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Littleton
In Littleton, you can expect to pay around $34–$51 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks such as mowing and gardening. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. 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 Littleton
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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