Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bellingham, WA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bellingham Landscaping Company

Finding the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also meets your service needs and budget. 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 your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bellingham city government. It may also have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Landscaping contractors normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Your provider should be fully bonded and insured. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose 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. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should choose plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact 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

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Bellingham

Landscaping in Bellingham generally costs between $23 and $35 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,772 - $17,030
Landscaping Design	$1,778 - $2,371
Landscaping LandGrading	$405 - $2,432
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,621
Planting Trees	$212 - $354
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$30,807 - $81,071