DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper. Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how 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 Olathe Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
-
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, pruning, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services. Look for full-service landscaping 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 adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
-
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Olathe city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider might 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
Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check 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, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
-
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company'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
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
-
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and may even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!