DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
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 looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lexington-Fayette Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mulching, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Lexington-Fayette city government. Your provider may 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Lexington-Fayette
Landscaping typically costs $27–$41 per hour in Lexington-Fayette, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,806 - $17,075 |
Landscaping Design | $2,073 - $2,764 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $423 - $2,537 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,691 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $370 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,137 - $84,571 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Lexington-Fayette
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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