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Creative by Design Landscaping vs Nanaimo Landscaping: Review & Comparison

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Sep 18, 2025 6 min read
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Creative by Design Landscaping vs Nanaimo Landscaping: Review & Comparison

Creative by Design Landscaping vs Nanaimo Landscaping: Review & ComparisonYour outdoor space reveals a great deal about your home. A well-designed yard not only adds comfort and pride but also boosts property value. In fact, research shows that professional landscaping can increase a home's value by 5–12%, with some studies suggesting gains of up to 15–20% for high-quality design work. A University of Texas study even found that curb appeal alone can raise a home's sale price by about 7%.

That's why choosing the right landscaping company is more than just a surface-level decision—it's an investment. In Nanaimo, two names frequently appear: Creative by Design Landscaping and Nanaimo Landscaping & Lawn Care. At first glance, they may seem similar, but they serve homeowners in very different ways. Creative by Design is recognized for its full-service design-and-build projects, backed by decades of expertise, while Nanaimo Landscaping specializes in lawn care and basic yard maintenance.

This article offers a detailed, side-by-side comparison, enabling you to determine which one best meets your needs.

1. Experience and Background

Experience shapes results. When you hire a team for landscaping service, you're trusting them with both your property and your vision.

Creative by Design Landscaping brings over 25 years of experience in Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. That means they've seen it all—sloping yards, drainage challenges, local plant behavior, and extensive hardscape builds. Their experienced landscaping service isn't just in Design; it's in execution. Over the years, they've managed everything from small residential makeovers to complex, multi-feature outdoor transformations.

Nanaimo Landscaping & Lawn Care, comparatively, is more recognized for routine services. They have solid experience in mowing, seasonal cleanups, and maintaining properties in a tidy condition. While they're reliable for basic upkeep, their background doesn't carry the same depth in large-scale Design or long-term build projects.

2. Range of Services

The actual difference between these companies appears in what they offer.

Creative by Design Landscaping offers a comprehensive landscape design consultation in Nanaimo, all under one roof. Their services include:

  • Residential low-maintenance landscaping design and installation.
  • Patios, walkways, and paving stone work.
  • Retaining walls, rock walls, and flagstone.
  • Irrigation and drainage systems.
  • Outdoor lighting solutions.
  • Water features such as ponds and bubbling rocks.
  • Artificial turf installation.
  • Garden maintenance and hedge trimming.
  • Excavation and land clearing.
  • Wood structures like fences and decks.

This broad scope means you don't need to juggle multiple contractors. Everything is handled from the initial outdoor living space design in Nanaimo to the final stone placed in your garden.

Nanaimo Landscaping & Lawn Care, by comparison, offers a smaller list of services. Their primary focus lies in:

  • Lawn mowing and yard maintenance.
  • Seasonal cleanups.
  • General landscaping tasks.
  • Basic irrigation work.

They keep back and front yards neat and green, but their services don't extend into custom builds or high-end outdoor living solutions.

3. Professionalism and Quality

Homeowners don't want just any yard landscaping services or a garden completed— they want it done right. That's where professionalism and quality make all the difference.

Creative by Design Landscaping, a top-rated landscape design and installation company, is backed by certifications from organizations like NALP, Rainbird, IIABC, and AB Wall Contractor. These prove the company meets high industry standards in landscape design and installation.  As one of the trusted landscape contractors with an A+ BBB rating, they've built a reputation for reliability and excellence in the Nanaimo community. Their portfolio shows precise stonework, clean installations, and projects built to last. They emphasize professionalism at every stage, from quoting to cleanup.

One of their clients shared:

 ⭐ "They were very professional and accommodating. The work was done on time and exceeded our expectations."

It makes it obvious how well they serve their clients

On the other hand, Nanaimo Landscaping & Lawn Care maintains a reputation for reliability in routine tasks. They're professional when it comes to scheduling and delivering basic services. However, certifications and large-scale landscape design credentials are not their strength.

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4. Commitment to Client Satisfaction

A successful landscaping design and build project is more than plants and stone — it's about how the company works with you. The relation is built on communication and trust.

Creative by Design Landscaping prioritizes client involvement at every stage of the process. So, who to hire for landscape design and installation in Nanaimo? They make a good choice as they provide detailed quotes, explain the process clearly, and avoid hidden surprises. Their team is known for listening to client ideas and shaping them into workable, beautiful landscape designs.

⭐ Testimonial Highlight:

 "Creative by Design Landscaping transformed our front yard. The crew was courteous, and the result was beyond what we imagined."

Nanaimo Landscaping & Lawn Care also values customer satisfaction, especially for smaller jobs. Homeowners appreciate their responsiveness for tasks like lawn mowing and seasonal cleanups. However, since they don't handle design-heavy projects, their client satisfaction is more about reliability than creativity.

5. Value for Homeowners

Landscape design should feel like an investment, not just an expense. The value comes not only from today's results but from how long they last. So, you must understand how the two coastal BC landscaping solutions differ in this essential factor:

Creative by Design Landscaping offers long-term value by delivering complete Design and build solutions. Homeowners don't just get a service; they get a full outdoor living space builder that creates a place to enhance their lifestyle and property value. Every feature, from patios to landscape lighting, is designed to last.

Nanaimo Landscaping & Lawn Care is a more affordable option if your primary need is lawn maintenance. They bring value for routine care, but less when it comes to property upgrades or major transformations.

Quick Comparison

Feature

Creative by Design Landscaping

Nanaimo Landscaping & Lawn Care

Years in Business

25+ years

Several years

Core Focus

Full design + build projects

Lawn care & basic landscaping

Services

Wide range: patios, irrigation, turf, landscape lighting, water features

Lawn mowing, seasonal clean-up, and basic landscaping services

Certifications

NALP, Rainbird, IIABC, AB Wall Contractor

Not publicly listed

Customer Satisfaction

High, supported by strong testimonials

Reliable for routine yard care

Ideal For

Homeowners seeking outdoor transformations

Homeowners seeking lawn upkeep

What to Look for in a Landscaping Design & Build Company

If you're considering a landscaping partner, here are the features that matter most:

  • Licensed and insured professionals.
  • End-to-end Design, construction, and maintenance.
  • Certified and experienced workforce.
  • Transparent pricing and timelines.
  • Strong portfolio with proven results.
  • Knowledge of permits and local regulations.

Fortunately, Creative by Design Landscaping checks all of these boxes, which is why they remain a trusted name in Nanaimo.

Tips for Homeowners Before Hiring

Choosing the right landscaping company isn't just about price—it's about trust and long-term value. A few simple steps can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that the results truly match your vision.

  • Get 2–3 detailed quotes: Comparing quotes from landscape design companies helps you understand what's included and highlights any hidden costs. It also gives you a sense of each company's professionalism.
  • Request walkthroughs of past projects: Seeing completed work in person demonstrates the quality and durability you can expect. It's the best way to judge craftsmanship.
  • Check references and reviews: Feedback from past clients reveals how reliable and communicative the company is during real projects.
  • Request detailed designs: Don't settle for vague sketches. Clear designs give you confidence about how the final project will look.
  • Confirm all phases in one contract: This avoids miscommunication and maintains clear accountability from Design to final installation.

By taking these steps, you'll make a more confident decision and enjoy a smoother experience.

Conclusion

You've seen the difference a skilled landscaping team can make. Creative by Design Landscaping transforms ordinary yards into custom outdoor spaces—with patios, landscape lighting, water features, and more. With over 25 years of experience, professional certifications, and a proven track record of client satisfaction, they deliver value, beauty, and peace of mind.

When you want more than just yard care—when you want an outdoor transformation that lasts—Creative by Design Landscaping stands out as the clear leader in Nanaimo, creating landscapes that are beautiful, lasting, and truly tailored to your lifestyle.

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If you’re planning a move from Colorado to Nanaimo and need a reliable real estate agent in your new location, Kenna Real Estate Group Group is here to help. Thanks to our extensive network of trusted professionals across the country, there's a good chance we can connect you with an agent who will provide the same exceptional service you’ve come to expect from us. Contact Kenna Real Estate Group Group today, and we'll ensure you're in good hands as you transition to your new home.

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.