DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Greenwood Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
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, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Greenwood city government. It may 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as 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 reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Greenwood
Landscaping typically costs $25–$38 per hour in Greenwood, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,209 - $16,279 |
Landscaping Design | $1,923 - $2,564 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $414 - $2,484 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,656 |
Planting Trees | $217 - $362 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,462 - $82,794 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Greenwood
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.