DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Burien Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
Plan to hire 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 landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Burien city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider might 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider'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
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your 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 Burien
Landscaping typically costs $30–$45 per hour in Burien, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,963 - $17,284 |
Landscaping Design | $2,291 - $3,055 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $436 - $2,615 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,743 |
Planting Trees | $228 - $381 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,119 - $87,155 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Burien
What are 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 a price with a landscaping company?
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