DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional construction and machinery expertise.
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. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local 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 costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hoffman Estates Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing 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. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the Hoffman Estates city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Hoffman Estates
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Hoffman Estates, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. 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 Hoffman Estates
What are some 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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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