DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require 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 total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lee's Summit Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Lee's Summit 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
We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should opt for native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Lee's Summit
Landscaping typically costs $25–$38 per hour in Lee's Summit, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,369 - $16,492 |
Landscaping Design | $1,898 - $2,531 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $412 - $2,475 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,650 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $361 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,349 - $82,498 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Lee's Summit
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the 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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