DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Salt Lake City Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like 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 ones that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should opt for native plants (such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare rates and services and may even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Salt Lake City
Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in Salt Lake City, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,339 - $16,452 |
Landscaping Design | $2,025 - $2,701 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $420 - $2,520 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,680 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $367 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,922 - $84,005 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Salt Lake City
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the 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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