DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Johns Creek Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Johns Creek city government. It may also 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
Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should select native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Johns Creek
Generally, landscaping costs $48–$72 per hour in Johns Creek. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 Johns Creek
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the 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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