DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can complete 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 total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise. Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Columbus Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
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Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services. Look for a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
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Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Columbus city government. It might also employ the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
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Reputation and Reviews
You want a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
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Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
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Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should choose 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.
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Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Columbus
What are some 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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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