DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend 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 doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Gresham Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. 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 companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Gresham
Landscaping typically costs $27–$41 per hour in Gresham, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,284 - $17,712 |
Landscaping Design | $2,053 - $2,737 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $422 - $2,530 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,687 |
Planting Trees | $221 - $369 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,045 - $84,328 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Gresham
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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