DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional machinery and construction expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Terre Haute Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as pruning, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
You should hire 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, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Terre Haute city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- 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 check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure 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 poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past 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 can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Terre Haute
Generally, landscaping costs $20–$30 per hour in Terre Haute. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,461 - $15,282 |
Landscaping Design | $1,505 - $2,007 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $389 - $2,335 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $117 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $78 - $1,557 |
Planting Trees | $204 - $340 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,580 - $77,841 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Terre Haute
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing 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.