DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Salina Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Salina city government. It might also 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor 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, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Salina
Landscaping typically costs $19–$28 per hour in Salina, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,922 - $15,896 |
Landscaping Design | $1,415 - $1,886 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $384 - $2,303 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $115 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $77 - $1,535 |
Planting Trees | $201 - $335 |
Sodding | $38 - $46 |
Swimming Pool | $29,170 - $76,764 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Salina
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some 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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