Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lakewood, WA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction 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, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lakewood Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mulching, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and fertilizing—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

You'll want full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Lakewood city government. Your provider may have the following certified staff members:

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

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured; most contractors have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like 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 delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose 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 multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should 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 Lakewood

In Lakewood, you can expect to spend roughly $26–$40 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as mowing and gardening. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, 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	$12,417 - $16,556
Landscaping Design	$2,003 - $2,670
Landscaping LandGrading	$419 - $2,512
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,675
Planting Trees	$219 - $366
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,820 - $83,736