DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
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, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Orland Park Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Orland Park city government. It may also 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should opt for native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Orland Park
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Orland Park. These costs vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,806 - $17,075 |
Landscaping Design | $2,248 - $2,997 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $433 - $2,599 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,733 |
Planting Trees | $227 - $379 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,924 - $86,643 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Orland Park
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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