DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bentonville Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mulching, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as 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 even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. 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 excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should choose native area plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Bentonville
Landscaping in Bentonville generally costs between $23 and $34 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger 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 landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,745 - $15,660 |
Landscaping Design | $1,721 - $2,295 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $402 - $2,412 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,608 |
Planting Trees | $211 - $351 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,551 - $80,398 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bentonville
What are 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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