DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Thornton Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Thornton 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. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs 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 your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Thornton
Landscaping in Thornton generally costs between $28 and $43 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,970 - $18,627 |
Landscaping Design | $2,157 - $2,876 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $428 - $2,567 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,711 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $374 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,515 - $85,567 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Thornton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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