DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Wauwatosa Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
You'll need full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Wauwatosa 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
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy 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 design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best 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 of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Wauwatosa
In Wauwatosa, you should expect to spend around $27–$40 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,810 - $17,080 |
Landscaping Design | $2,010 - $2,679 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $419 - $2,515 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,676 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $366 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,850 - $83,817 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Wauwatosa
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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