DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Tampa Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, mowing, pruning, mulching, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you want 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 may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Tampa 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
You want a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Tampa
In Tampa, you should expect to pay roughly $23–$35 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks like mowing and gardening. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,731 - $16,975 |
Landscaping Design | $1,771 - $2,361 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $405 - $2,430 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,620 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $354 |
Sodding | $40 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,776 - $80,991 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Tampa
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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