DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Frankfort Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll need 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 upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Frankfort city government. It may 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at 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. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose 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 multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will 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 Frankfort
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Frankfort. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Frankfort
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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