DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. 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, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hillsboro Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Hillsboro
In Hillsboro, you can expect to pay approximately $32–$48 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than simpler tasks such as gardening and mowing. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,953 - $17,271 |
Landscaping Design | $2,434 - $3,246 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $444 - $2,666 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $133 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $89 - $1,777 |
Planting Trees | $233 - $388 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,763 - $88,851 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hillsboro
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 a price with a landscaping company?
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