DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional. Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Montgomery Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
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Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services. Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
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Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. A company 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
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Reputation and Reviews
We recommend checking third-party review sites like 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 unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
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Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
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Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should choose native plant life (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.
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Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Montgomery
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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