DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of 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 machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A 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 expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Augusta Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mulching, fertilizing, mowing, pruning, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Augusta city government. The company may have 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
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Augusta
Generally, landscaping costs $22–$33 per hour in Augusta. These costs vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,769 - $15,691 |
Landscaping Design | $1,687 - $2,249 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $400 - $2,400 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $120 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,600 |
Planting Trees | $210 - $350 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,398 - $79,995 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Augusta
What are some 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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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