DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bismarck Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services can include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Bismarck 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
Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like 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 delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Bismarck
Landscaping typically costs $25–$37 per hour in Bismarck, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects 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 | $11,905 - $15,873 |
Landscaping Design | $1,885 - $2,513 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $412 - $2,470 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,647 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $360 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,288 - $82,336 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bismarck
What are 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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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