How to Hire a Landscaper
If you’ve landed on this article, then chances are you are thinking of hiring a professional landscaper or doubting if you should. As much as we’re do-it-yourself enthusiasts, we believe that sometimes hiring a professional is the better choice — especially if it is a big project that may take months to complete.
Hiring a landscaper for your backyard will be one of the best decisions you’ll make, and we’d like to share with you why, together with the things you should know before you hire one.
Why Would You Need to Hire a Landscaper?
Many hesitate to hire a landscaper as it is costly, and though that may be true, the value that it adds to your home is beyond rewarding. Landscapers are qualified professionals who have been in the field for years.
With the experience from plenty of projects, they have seen the highs and lows of every situation possible. This gives them the ability to foresee shortcomings we cannot and are also liable for projects to be completed — which is one of the essential factors as no one likes an incomplete yard that could have so much more potential.
When Should You Hire a Landscaper?
So when is the appropriate time to hire one? That depends on the scale of work that you would require help in, but we believe the best time to hire one is when you have a vision. We don’t mean you should have everything down to a T, but a rough idea of what you would like to have done or incorporated into your yard will be a good start.
If it is a big project in which landscape design is involved, a compilation of inspirational photos would be excellent, but a more detailed concept would be ideal. Such as the type of pathway, the style of lounge space, or perhaps if you want to incorporate a bar concept in your backyard.
All these details are helpful and give a clearer picture, allowing your landscaper to plan and design specifically to your needs.
What Can a Landscaper Do?
A landscaper’s job varies depending on the scale of work you require. There are plenty of landscape services available depending on your needs.
For example, if you require only maintenance or a full-fledged scale of designing your outdoor oasis. A general thing to know is the terms hardscaping and softscaping. Hardscaping refers to non-living elements of a landscape design such as walkways, patios, retaining walls, firepits, and driveways, whereas softscaping refers to living elements.
With the knowledge of these terms, it is easier to communicate your needs and interest to your landscaper.
Cost of Hiring a Landscaper
With the areas in mind where you need professional help, you can roughly calculate your costs. Take into consideration if this will be a one-off project or one that requires regular maintenance.
One-off projects are usually pricey, with projects starting at around $11,000. Still, chances are you only need them for the foundation of your outdoor oasis, which you can then continue to maintain on your own.
On the other hand, full landscape maintenance usually costs between $100 to $300 — a service that is best if you already have an existing landscape design.
How to Find a Reputable Landscaper
Online reviews from clients or referrals from families and neighbors are among the best ways to find a reputable landscaper. Make sure to check on their credentials for professionalism as well as licensing.
When inquiring about a service, potential landscapers will most of the time request a site visit to visualize and provide a proper quotation for your space. These consultations are usually free — allowing the chance to get to know the landscaper professionally and if it’s possible to acquire a good working relationship before the commitment.
What to Expect When Working With a Landscaper
Once you’ve settled on the landscaper of your choice, that’s where the fun process begins. This is where your pile of inspirations and ideal concepts come in handy and efficient for your landscaper. The typical approach when working with a landscaper goes as follows:
- An Initial Site Visit
- Proposal and Agreement
- Site Analysis and Concept Development
- Design Development
This process can take anywhere from a month to as long as half a year, depending on your outdoor space’s scale and requirements.
Hiring a landscaper is much like hiring an interior designer — someone who oversees your home on a larger scale, ensuring your space meets your needs and intentions. With the exceptional knowledge of outdoor elements, landscapers can potentially create the outdoor oasis of your dreams while you sit back and relax. It’s a well worth investment, in our opinion.