DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can identify 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 Westminster Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Westminster 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
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement plant life native to your area—such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Westminster
Generally, landscaping costs $29–$44 per hour in Westminster. These costs vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects require 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 affected 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Westminster
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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