DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Owensboro Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Owensboro city government. It might also 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 contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Owensboro
Landscaping in Owensboro generally costs between $25 and $37 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,823 - $15,764 |
Landscaping Design | $1,857 - $2,477 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $410 - $2,460 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,640 |
Planting Trees | $215 - $358 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,165 - $82,013 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Owensboro
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
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What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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