Top Landscaping Contractors in Kirkland, Washington Ranked

A well-designed landscape enhances your home's curb appeal, creates functional outdoor living spaces, and can even increase your property value. Landscaping contractors are the professionals who bring these visions to life, handling everything from initial design and hardscape installation to routine maintenance and seasonal care. This guide will help you understand the process, costs, and key considerations for hiring a landscape professional in Kirkland, empowering you to find the right local expert for your project.

North East Landscaping Services

12259 155th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059

North East Landscaping Services is a family-owned landscaping company with over 20 years of experience serving residential and commercial clients in Seattle, WA. They provide a comprehensive range of outdoor services including lawn care, fertilization, weed control, sod and artificial turf installation, fence and deck construction, landscape lighting, tree services, yard drainage, sprinkler installation and repair, as well as hardscaping like pavers and retaining walls. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and building lasting relationships with clients, handling projects of all sizes with care and honesty.

5.0

294 Reviews

Devonshire Landscapes Inc

1701 SW 112th St, Seattle, WA 98146

Devonshire Landscapes Inc is a landscaping company based in Seattle, WA, offering comprehensive landscape design, lawn care, and hardscaping services. Founded in 1999, the company serves mostly residential clients with a focus on improving property quality while preserving the natural environment. Their skilled team provides detailed design plans and craftsmanship in stone and woodwork, including retaining walls and pavers, ensuring lasting value and appeal.

5.0

144 Reviews

Saltos Landscaping LLC

seattle

Saltos Landscaping LLC is a landscaping company based in Seattle, WA, offering design, installation, and maintenance services. They specialize in landscape design and sprinkler system installation and repair, addressing issues like uneven watering and system leaks to maintain healthy landscapes. Their services help manage the challenges posed by Seattle's varying weather patterns, ensuring efficient irrigation and landscape care.

5.0

128 Reviews

MTS Tree and Landscape

4580 Klahanie Dr. SE #261, Issaquah, WA 98029

MTS Tree and Landscape is a family-owned company serving Seattle, WA, and the Eastside since 2005. They provide a range of services including tree removal, tree trimming, emergency tree services, landscaping, hardscaping, and mulch delivery. Their team includes trained climbers and experienced landscape designers skilled in working on various terrains common in the Pacific Northwest. MTS Tree and Landscape is licensed, bonded, and insured, following safety standards set by OSHA, LNI, and ISA.

4.9

881 Reviews

Cedar Falls Tree Service

13627 436th Ave SE, North Bend, WA 98045

Cedar Falls Tree Service is a family-owned company based near Seattle, WA, offering tree maintenance, removal, stump grinding, land clearing, and landscaping services. With over 18 years of experience, they serve the Greater Eastside, Seattle areas, and beyond. Their capabilities include crane tree removal for hard-to-reach locations and specialized stump grinding equipment to grind stumps below grade. They also provide excavation and landscaping services, along with seasoned and non-seasoned firewood. Cedar Falls Tree Service has built its expertise through nearly two decades of work in tree care and land services.

5.0

94 Reviews

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Understanding the Role of a Landscape Contractor

A landscaping contractor, often referred to as a landscape designer, installer, or maintenance professional, does much more than just mow lawns. They are skilled in horticulture, design principles, construction, and project management. In Kirkland, with its varied topography and climate, a good contractor understands local soil conditions, native and adaptive plants that thrive in the Pacific Northwest, and solutions for common issues like drainage on sloped lots. Their services typically fall into three main categories: design and installation, hardscaping, and ongoing maintenance. Whether you're looking to refresh your front yard, build an outdoor kitchen, or establish a low-maintenance garden, a qualified contractor is your partner from concept to completion.

The Typical Project Process

Engaging a landscape professional in Kirkland usually follows a structured path to ensure clarity and a successful outcome.

1. Initial Contact & Consultation Your journey begins by contacting several local firms, often through referrals, online reviews, or local business directories ¹. The initial discussion focuses on your needs, budget, vision, and any specific challenges with your property, such as views of Lake Washington or managing water runoff.

2. Site Assessment The contractor will visit your property for a thorough evaluation. They assess soil quality, sun and shade patterns, existing drainage, slopes, and current plantings. This on-site visit is crucial for developing a plan that works with your land's unique characteristics ^{2 3}.

3. Design & Proposal For design-focused projects, this step may involve creating a formal landscape design, which can start around $2,500 or more ². You'll receive a detailed proposal outlining the project scope, materials (like local basalt for walls or specific mulch types), a realistic timeline, and a comprehensive cost estimate. This document is your blueprint for what to expect ^{4 1}.

4. Contract & Scheduling Once you approve the proposal, a formal contract is signed. This agreement should detail payment schedules, warranty information, and the project timeline. Work is then scheduled, often beginning with any major construction or installation before moving into planting and finishing touches ⁵.

5. Execution & Follow-up The installation phase begins, which could involve building patios, installing irrigation systems, or planting new gardens. For maintenance clients, this shifts into a schedule of consistent visits for mowing, pruning, and seasonal care. A reputable contractor will follow up to ensure your satisfaction and the health of your new landscape ³.

Investment and Cost Considerations

Landscaping costs in Kirkland vary significantly based on your project's scale and complexity. Understanding the typical pricing structures can help you budget effectively.

Ongoing Maintenance Plans For regular upkeep, costs are often structured as recurring visits or monthly plans.

• Basic Lawn Care (Mowing & Edging): $40 to $80 per visit, typically on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule ^{2 6}.
• Full-Service Maintenance Plans: These comprehensive plans, which include mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and bed care, often range from $125 to over $300 per month. Some local providers offer plans starting at a flat rate, such as $300 per month, for uniform service costs ^{2 7 4}.

Yard Improvement & Installation Projects These are one-time or periodic projects that enhance your landscape.

• Material Installation: For example, installing mulch can cost between $175 and $250 per cubic yard, delivered and spread ².
• Hardscaping & Design/Build Projects: This is where costs can scale considerably. Installing a patio, walkway, retaining wall, or outdoor lighting can range from a few thousand dollars for a small project to $10,000 or more for extensive work. For major landscape overhauls on new builds, investment can sometimes reach up to 10% of the home's value ^{2 8 9}.
• Hourly Rates: For specific tasks like detailed pruning, planting, or labor, contractors may charge hourly rates between $50 and $150, depending on the skill and tools required ^{7 4}.

Key Factors Influencing Your Project

Several elements specific to your Kirkland property will directly impact the scope and cost of your landscaping project.

Property Characteristics: The size of your yard is a primary factor. The maturity and type of existing plants also matter-caring for established ornamental trees is different from maintaining new shrubs. Given Kirkland's many hillside properties, addressing drainage and erosion is a common and critical need that contractors must evaluate ^{2 3}.

Project Scope and Services: Clearly define whether you need a creative landscape design, structural hardscaping (like stone patios or walls), an irrigation system for dry summers, or simply reliable ongoing upkeep. Many contractors specialize in one area, while full-service firms can manage it all ⁷.

Material and Plant Selection: Choices here affect both aesthetics and budget. Opting for native, drought-tolerant plants can reduce long-term water needs. The quality and source of hardscape materials (e.g., local vs. imported stone) also play a significant role in the final price and look.

Selecting the Right Professional in Kirkland

With many landscape companies serving the area, making the right choice is key.

• Verify Licenses and Insurance: Ensure the contractor is properly licensed to work in Washington State and carries both liability and workers' compensation insurance. This protects you in case of accidents or property damage.
• Review Portfolios and Specialties: Look at their past work, especially projects similar to yours. Some may excel in modern, low-maintenance designs, while others might specialize in lush, traditional gardens or complex hardscaping.
• Get Detailed Estimates: Obtain written estimates from at least three contractors. These should be itemized to compare labor, materials, and timeline fairly. Be wary of bids that seem unusually low, as they may cut corners.
• Check References and Communication: Ask for and contact recent client references. Pay attention to how the contractor communicates during the estimate process-prompt, clear, and professional communication is a strong indicator of a good working relationship.

Frequently asked questions

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