DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Layton Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mowing, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option 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 designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. It might also 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
We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Layton
Landscaping in Layton generally costs between $26 and $39 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,438 - $16,584 |
Landscaping Design | $1,944 - $2,592 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $415 - $2,491 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,661 |
Planting Trees | $218 - $363 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,554 - $83,036 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Layton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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