DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lehigh Acres Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mulching, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even offer 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 Lehigh Acres city government. It may 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
Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Lehigh Acres
In Lehigh Acres, you should expect to spend roughly $25–$37 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks such as mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down 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 Lehigh Acres
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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