DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lawrence Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Lawrence 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
Make sure you choose 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 ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing 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, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Lawrence
In Lawrence, you can expect to pay around $26–$40 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,868 - $17,157 |
Landscaping Design | $2,005 - $2,673 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $419 - $2,513 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,675 |
Planting Trees | $219 - $366 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,830 - $83,763 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Lawrence
What are some 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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