DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Sanford Landscaping Company
Selecting 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 shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, pruning, mowing, mulching, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Sanford 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper 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
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies 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 a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Sanford
Landscaping in Sanford generally costs between $28 and $43 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,274 - $17,699 |
Landscaping Design | $2,155 - $2,873 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $428 - $2,566 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,711 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $374 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,505 - $85,540 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Sanford
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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