Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Olympia, WA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, 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 basic lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Olympia Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Olympia 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

It may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors typically have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should use plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Olympia

Landscaping in Olympia generally costs between $23 and $35 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

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