DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.
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 want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the knowledge and skill set 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 expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an South Fulton Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Choose a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the South Fulton 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
Reputation and Reviews
We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should opt for native plant life (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in South Fulton
Generally, landscaping costs $48–$72 per hour in South Fulton. These costs vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 South Fulton
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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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