DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Kokomo Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Kokomo city government. The company may 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
We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers 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
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Kokomo
Landscaping in Kokomo generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,226 - $14,968 |
Landscaping Design | $1,823 - $2,431 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $408 - $2,448 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,632 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $357 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,012 - $81,610 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Kokomo
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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