DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Auburn Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. 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
Look for a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Auburn
In Auburn, you should expect to spend around $23–$35 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,919 - $15,892 |
Landscaping Design | $1,755 - $2,340 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $404 - $2,424 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,616 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $353 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,705 - $80,802 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Auburn
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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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