DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Great Falls Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and mulching—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
You need a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Great Falls city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use native plant life—such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Great Falls
Generally, landscaping costs $17–$26 per hour in Great Falls. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,031 - $16,042 |
Landscaping Design | $1,294 - $1,726 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $377 - $2,260 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $113 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $75 - $1,507 |
Planting Trees | $197 - $329 |
Sodding | $38 - $45 |
Swimming Pool | $28,628 - $75,338 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Great Falls
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the 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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