DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hoover Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mowing, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. It might also 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
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Hoover
Landscaping typically costs $24–$37 per hour in Hoover, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,687 - $16,916 |
Landscaping Design | $1,844 - $2,458 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $409 - $2,456 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,637 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $358 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,104 - $81,852 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hoover
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.