DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
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 larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Anderson Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mowing, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and controlling weeds—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Anderson 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 a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; 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
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better deal. 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 costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Anderson
Generally, landscaping costs $22–$33 per hour in Anderson. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,403 - $15,204 |
Landscaping Design | $1,651 - $2,201 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $398 - $2,387 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $119 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,591 |
Planting Trees | $208 - $348 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,234 - $79,564 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Anderson
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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