DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bozeman Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
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. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Bozeman city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- 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 check third-party review sites such as 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 poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
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. Landscapers should choose native plants (such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request 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, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Bozeman
Generally, landscaping costs $25–$37 per hour in Bozeman. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,093 - $16,124 |
Landscaping Design | $1,889 - $2,519 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $412 - $2,472 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,648 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $360 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,308 - $82,390 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bozeman
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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