DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require 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 DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Davenport Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before picking a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. 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, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the Davenport city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. 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 who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Davenport
In Davenport, you should expect to spend roughly $24–$36 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks such as gardening and mowing. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,141 - $16,188 |
Landscaping Design | $1,796 - $2,395 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $406 - $2,439 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,626 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $355 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,889 - $81,287 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Davenport
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the 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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