DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Ogden Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mowing, pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. 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
Look for a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over 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 Ogden
Landscaping typically costs $23–$35 per hour in Ogden, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,277 - $16,370 |
Landscaping Design | $1,744 - $2,325 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $403 - $2,420 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,613 |
Planting Trees | $211 - $353 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,654 - $80,668 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Ogden
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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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