DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Coral Gables Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Coral Gables city government. The company may 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 such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should choose 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 quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Coral Gables
Landscaping typically costs $25–$37 per hour in Coral Gables, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,588 - $16,784 |
Landscaping Design | $1,860 - $2,480 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $410 - $2,461 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,641 |
Planting Trees | $215 - $359 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,175 - $82,040 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Coral Gables
What are some 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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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