DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Libertyville Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Libertyville city government. The company may have 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
We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Libertyville
Landscaping typically costs $30–$45 per hour in Libertyville, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,649 - $16,866 |
Landscaping Design | $2,293 - $3,058 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $436 - $2,615 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,744 |
Planting Trees | $228 - $381 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,129 - $87,182 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Libertyville
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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