DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Prescott Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. 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 companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Prescott city government. It may 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can 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 provider treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should implement plant life native to your area—such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Prescott
Landscaping typically costs $23–$35 per hour in Prescott, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,055 - $16,074 |
Landscaping Design | $1,776 - $2,367 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $405 - $2,431 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,621 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $354 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,797 - $81,044 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Prescott
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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