DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bossier City Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company comes down to certain 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
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, pruning, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Louisiana Horticulture Commission. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Bossier City
Landscaping in Bossier City generally costs between $21 and $31 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,956 - $15,942 |
Landscaping Design | $1,555 - $2,074 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $392 - $2,353 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $118 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $78 - $1,569 |
Planting Trees | $205 - $343 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,805 - $78,433 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bossier City
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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