DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Dunwoody Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
Look for 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 designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Dunwoody 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
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Dunwoody
Landscaping in Dunwoody generally costs between $48 and $72 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $15,974 - $21,299 |
Landscaping Design | $3,624 - $4,833 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $515 - $3,089 |
Landscaping Mulch | $31 - $154 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $103 - $2,059 |
Planting Trees | $270 - $450 |
Sodding | $51 - $62 |
Swimming Pool | $39,123 - $102,956 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Dunwoody
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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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