DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set 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 expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Corvallis Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. 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 like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. 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
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Corvallis
In Corvallis, you can expect to spend roughly $21–$31 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks such as gardening and mowing. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,267 - $16,356 |
Landscaping Design | $1,576 - $2,101 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $393 - $2,360 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $118 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,574 |
Planting Trees | $206 - $344 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,897 - $78,676 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Corvallis
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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