DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop 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 Bowling Green Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include pruning, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Bowling Green city government. Your provider may 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure 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, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should implement plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. 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 Bowling Green
Generally, landscaping costs $18–$27 per hour in Bowling Green. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,844 - $15,792 |
Landscaping Design | $1,387 - $1,850 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $382 - $2,293 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $115 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $76 - $1,529 |
Planting Trees | $200 - $334 |
Sodding | $38 - $46 |
Swimming Pool | $29,048 - $76,441 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bowling Green
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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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