DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Nampa Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mulching, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. It may 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
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company'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 choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for 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
You should request quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Nampa
Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Nampa. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might 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 | $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 Nampa
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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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