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.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Montgomery Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mulching—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Look for 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 designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should possess the appropriate licenses from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; 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.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Montgomery
Landscaping typically costs $22–$33 per hour in Montgomery, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,939 - $17,253 |
Landscaping Design | $1,662 - $2,216 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $398 - $2,391 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $120 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,594 |
Planting Trees | $209 - $348 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,285 - $79,699 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Montgomery
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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