DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed 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 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 Kent Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, pruning, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Kent 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
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Kent
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Kent. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
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 Kent
What are 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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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