DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the knowledge and skill set 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 costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lacey Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
You need a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Lacey city government. It might 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
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies 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 planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plant life (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A 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 deal.
Landscaping Costs in Lacey
Landscaping typically costs $23–$35 per hour in Lacey, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,496 - $16,661 |
Landscaping Design | $1,773 - $2,364 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $405 - $2,431 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,620 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $354 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,787 - $81,017 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Lacey
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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