DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have at least basic 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 construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor 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 knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Pensacola Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as fertilizing, pruning, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Pensacola city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might 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 recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Pensacola
Landscaping typically costs $24–$36 per hour in Pensacola, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,100 - $16,133 |
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 Pensacola
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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