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 heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. 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 Fort Myers Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, mulching, fertilizing, pruning, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Fort Myers 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 companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share 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 finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plants (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
Many companies offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Fort Myers
Landscaping typically costs $25–$37 per hour in Fort Myers, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
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 Fort Myers
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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