Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Yakima, WA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Yakima Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Yakima city government. Your provider may employ 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, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. 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 provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should choose native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide 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 can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Yakima

Generally, landscaping costs $20–$30 per hour in Yakima. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,407 - $15,209
Landscaping Design	$1,496 - $1,995
Landscaping LandGrading	$389 - $2,332
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $117
Planting FlowerBeds	$78 - $1,555
Planting Trees	$204 - $340
Sodding	$39 - $47
Swimming Pool	$29,539 - $77,734