DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Stillwater Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Stillwater city government. It may also have 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 excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can 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 landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Stillwater
Generally, landscaping costs $20–$29 per hour in Stillwater. These costs vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,482 - $15,309 |
Landscaping Design | $1,480 - $1,974 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $388 - $2,326 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $116 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $78 - $1,551 |
Planting Trees | $203 - $339 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,467 - $77,545 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Stillwater
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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