DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction 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're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Fishers Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as mulching, mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Fishers city government. It might also 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
Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Fishers
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Fishers, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,216 - $17,621 |
Landscaping Design | $2,119 - $2,825 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $426 - $2,553 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,702 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,341 - $85,109 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Fishers
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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