DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most 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 offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bloomingdale Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Bloomingdale city government. It 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
Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should use native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Bloomingdale
Landscaping typically costs $34–$51 per hour in Bloomingdale, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,185 - $17,580 |
Landscaping Design | $2,580 - $3,440 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $453 - $2,717 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $136 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $91 - $1,811 |
Planting Trees | $237 - $396 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,418 - $90,573 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bloomingdale
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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