DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills 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 costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an University Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
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 upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the University 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
Try to find a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should use plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't affect 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
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in University
Landscaping typically costs $22–$34 per hour in University, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,827 - $15,769 |
Landscaping Design | $1,698 - $2,265 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $401 - $2,404 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $120 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,603 |
Planting Trees | $210 - $350 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,449 - $80,129 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in University
What are 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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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