DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Middletown Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
You'll need a full-service landscaping company 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 upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Middletown city government. Contractors often 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
Try to find a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as 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, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should use 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 from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Middletown
Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in Middletown, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as 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. Large or complex projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $14,216 - $18,955 |
Landscaping Design | $2,019 - $2,692 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $420 - $2,518 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,678 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $367 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,891 - $83,925 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Middletown
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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