DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires 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 complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
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 create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Winter Haven Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include mowing, mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Winter Haven 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 contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read 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. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are 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
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Winter Haven
Generally, landscaping costs $23–$34 per hour in Winter Haven. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,946 - $15,928 |
Landscaping Design | $1,717 - $2,289 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $402 - $2,410 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,607 |
Planting Trees | $211 - $351 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,531 - $80,345 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Winter Haven
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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