DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also 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 Apopka Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, 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
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mulching, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Apopka city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- 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 like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Apopka
Landscaping typically costs $28–$43 per hour in Apopka, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Apopka
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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