DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Dundee Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mowing, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mulching—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Dundee 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
Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should choose native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Dundee
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Dundee, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,598 - $16,797 |
Landscaping Design | $2,125 - $2,834 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $426 - $2,556 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,704 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,372 - $85,190 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Dundee
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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