DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
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 total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Pocatello Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
You'll need a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Your provider may employ 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like 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 delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy 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 own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Pocatello
Generally, landscaping costs $16–$24 per hour in Pocatello. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,315 - $15,086 |
Landscaping Design | $1,226 - $1,635 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $373 - $2,236 |
Landscaping Mulch | $22 - $112 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $75 - $1,491 |
Planting Trees | $195 - $326 |
Sodding | $37 - $45 |
Swimming Pool | $28,322 - $74,530 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Pocatello
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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