DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, 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 designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Monroe Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Louisiana Horticulture Commission. It may 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
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should choose 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 affect existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Monroe
Landscaping typically costs $23–$35 per hour in Monroe, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,697 - $15,596 |
Landscaping Design | $1,757 - $2,343 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $404 - $2,425 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,617 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $353 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,715 - $80,829 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Monroe
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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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