DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Eugene Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, and pruning. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. 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
Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Eugene
In Eugene, you can expect to spend approximately $26–$39 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,120 - $16,160 |
Landscaping Design | $1,982 - $2,643 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $417 - $2,505 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,670 |
Planting Trees | $219 - $365 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,728 - $83,494 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Eugene
What are some 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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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