DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Everett Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Everett city government. The company may have 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 who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as 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 unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Everett
Landscaping in Everett generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,745 - $16,993 |
Landscaping Design | $2,119 - $2,825 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $426 - $2,553 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,702 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,341 - $85,109 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Everett
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some 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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