DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right 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 doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Jacksonville Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as mulching, mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper 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 gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the Jacksonville city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably 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 is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for 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
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Jacksonville
Landscaping typically costs $24–$36 per hour in Jacksonville, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,120 - $16,160 |
Landscaping Design | $1,810 - $2,413 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $407 - $2,443 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,629 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $356 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,950 - $81,448 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Jacksonville
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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