DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Overland Park Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before picking a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, 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. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. 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
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Overland Park city government. It may also 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
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. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plants (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover 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 lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Overland Park
Landscaping in Overland Park generally costs between $26 and $40 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,639 - $16,852 |
Landscaping Design | $2,003 - $2,670 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $419 - $2,512 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,675 |
Planting Trees | $219 - $366 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,820 - $83,736 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Overland Park
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the 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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