DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge 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 costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Cape Coral Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as fertilizing, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Cape Coral 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Cape Coral
Generally, landscaping costs $25–$37 per hour in Cape Coral. These costs vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,192 - $16,256 |
Landscaping Design | $1,889 - $2,519 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $412 - $2,472 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,648 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $360 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,308 - $82,390 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Cape Coral
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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