DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Oshkosh Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, pruning, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Oshkosh city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might employ the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should implement native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Oshkosh
Generally, landscaping costs $21–$32 per hour in Oshkosh. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,677 - $16,902 |
Landscaping Design | $1,617 - $2,156 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $396 - $2,375 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $119 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,583 |
Planting Trees | $207 - $346 |
Sodding | $40 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $30,081 - $79,160 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Oshkosh
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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