DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Milton 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
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Milton city government. It 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
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should choose native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Milton
Landscaping in Milton generally costs between $34 and $51 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
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 Milton
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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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