DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. 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.
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 landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Longmont Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer 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. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Longmont city government. It might 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can 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 an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you can 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 allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Longmont
Landscaping in Longmont generally costs between $27 and $40 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,383 - $17,844 |
Landscaping Design | $2,019 - $2,692 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $420 - $2,518 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,678 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $367 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,891 - $83,925 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Longmont
What are 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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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