DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
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 total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Idaho Falls Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mulching, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Plan to 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, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The company may 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 company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use 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
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Idaho Falls
In Idaho Falls, you can expect to pay approximately $20–$31 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,967 - $15,955 |
Landscaping Design | $1,546 - $2,062 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $392 - $2,350 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $117 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $78 - $1,567 |
Planting Trees | $205 - $342 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,764 - $78,326 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Idaho Falls
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?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.