DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Little Rock Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Little Rock
In Little Rock, you should expect to spend approximately $23–$34 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,885 - $15,846 |
Landscaping Design | $1,723 - $2,298 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $402 - $2,413 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,609 |
Planting Trees | $211 - $351 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,562 - $80,425 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Little Rock
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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