DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
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're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Memphis Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
Choose full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. 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 suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Memphis
Landscaping in Memphis generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,103 - $17,471 |
Landscaping Design | $2,109 - $2,813 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,550 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,700 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $371 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,301 - $85,001 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Memphis
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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