DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Shawnee 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 at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include mowing, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the Shawnee city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. 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 companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. 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
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Shawnee
Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Shawnee, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Shawnee
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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