DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Olathe Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Olathe city government. 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
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 shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Olathe
Generally, landscaping costs $29–$44 per hour in Olathe. These prices vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects need 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 breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,888 - $17,184 |
Landscaping Design | $2,209 - $2,946 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $431 - $2,586 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,724 |
Planting Trees | $226 - $377 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,751 - $86,186 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Olathe
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
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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