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 need additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills and knowledge 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 Altamonte Springs Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mowing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Altamonte Springs city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. 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
We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, 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 rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Altamonte Springs
Landscaping in Altamonte Springs generally costs between $28 and $43 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,274 - $17,699 |
Landscaping Design | $2,155 - $2,873 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $428 - $2,566 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,711 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $374 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,505 - $85,540 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Altamonte Springs
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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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