DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Springfield Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and mowing—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. It may 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
Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, 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
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should select native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact 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
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Springfield
Generally, landscaping costs $26–$39 per hour in Springfield. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down 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 Springfield
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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