DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bolingbrook Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, mowing, pruning, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Choose full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Bolingbrook city government. Your provider may 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company'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.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plants (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Bolingbrook
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Bolingbrook. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,806 - $17,075 |
Landscaping Design | $2,248 - $2,997 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $433 - $2,599 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,733 |
Planting Trees | $227 - $379 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,924 - $86,643 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bolingbrook
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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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