DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional machinery and construction expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hartford Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Hartford city government. It may also have 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
Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask for 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 pictures. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Hartford
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Hartford, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,018 - $17,357 |
Landscaping Design | $2,107 - $2,810 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,549 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,699 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,290 - $84,974 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hartford
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.