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 irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Spokane Valley Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets 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—such as mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Spokane Valley 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to 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 choose native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss 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 Spokane Valley
In Spokane Valley, you should expect to spend approximately $24–$36 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,898 - $15,864 |
Landscaping Design | $1,830 - $2,440 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $408 - $2,451 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,634 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $357 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,042 - $81,690 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Spokane Valley
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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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