DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, 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 expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Caldwell Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should choose 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 affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Caldwell
Landscaping typically costs $24–$36 per hour in Caldwell, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,557 - $15,409 |
Landscaping Design | $1,835 - $2,446 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $409 - $2,452 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,635 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $357 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,063 - $81,744 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Caldwell
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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