DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Westfield Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include pruning, mowing, mulching, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Westfield city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider might 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
Try to find a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should select native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will 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 Westfield
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in Westfield. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,216 - $17,621 |
Landscaping Design | $2,119 - $2,825 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $426 - $2,553 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,702 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,341 - $85,109 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Westfield
What are some 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 do 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.