DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bend Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to 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 upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. Your provider may 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 companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking 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 delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should choose native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Bend
Generally, landscaping costs $25–$38 per hour in Bend. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,291 - $16,388 |
Landscaping Design | $1,905 - $2,540 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $413 - $2,477 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,652 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $361 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,380 - $82,579 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bend
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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