DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Kansas City Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mowing, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll want 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. 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 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 have the appropriate licenses from the Kansas City city government. 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 recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share 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 the quality of their work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Kansas City
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$41 per hour in Kansas City. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Larger 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. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,551 - $18,067 |
Landscaping Design | $2,094 - $2,791 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $424 - $2,544 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,696 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,229 - $84,813 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Kansas City
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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