DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hammond Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Hammond city government. It may 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
Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. 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. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Hammond
Generally, landscaping costs $23–$35 per hour in Hammond. These costs vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,264 - $16,351 |
Landscaping Design | $1,755 - $2,340 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $404 - $2,424 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,616 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $353 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,705 - $80,802 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hammond
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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