Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Vancouver, WA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.

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 planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop 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 enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Vancouver Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Vancouver city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find 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. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Vancouver

Landscaping in Vancouver generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,840 - $17,121
Landscaping Design	$2,121 - $2,828
Landscaping LandGrading	$426 - $2,554
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,703
Planting Trees	$223 - $372
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,352 - $85,136