DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but 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 looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. 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 Coeur d'Alene Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. 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
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. 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 a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask 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
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose plants native to your area, such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should 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 Coeur d'Alene
Landscaping in Coeur d'Alene generally costs between $24 and $35 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,267 - $16,356 |
Landscaping Design | $1,792 - $2,389 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $406 - $2,437 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,625 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $355 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,868 - $81,233 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Coeur d'Alene
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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