DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend 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 Atlanta Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should possess the appropriate licenses from the Atlanta city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Atlanta
In Atlanta, you can expect to pay approximately $27–$40 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks such as gardening and mowing. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $14,820 - $19,761 |
Landscaping Design | $2,044 - $2,725 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $421 - $2,527 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,684 |
Planting Trees | $221 - $368 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,004 - $84,221 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Atlanta
What are some 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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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