DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most 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 require additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Troy Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mowing, controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
Choose full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Troy city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (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
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Troy
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Troy. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The price 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 | $12,806 - $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 Troy
What are some 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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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