DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Maine Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mowing, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
Look for full-service landscaping 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 gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Maine city government. The company may employ 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should select native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Maine
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in Maine. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,574 - $16,766 |
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 Maine
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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