DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hanover Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you're planning 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, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Hanover 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
We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Hanover
Landscaping in Hanover generally costs between $34 and $51 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below shows 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 Hanover
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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