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. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
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're planning a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also 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 West Allis Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your whole 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 gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the West Allis 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
Reputation and Reviews
We suggest checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request 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
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should opt for native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in West Allis
Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in West Allis, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 West Allis
What are some 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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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