DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Twin Falls Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll need a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses 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
You want a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers 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 materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Twin Falls
Generally, landscaping costs $21–$32 per hour in Twin Falls. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,782 - $15,710 |
Landscaping Design | $1,601 - $2,134 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $395 - $2,369 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $118 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,579 |
Planting Trees | $207 - $345 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $30,009 - $78,972 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Twin Falls
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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