DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. 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 Dundalk Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check 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. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should choose native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. 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 Dundalk
Landscaping typically costs $28–$43 per hour in Dundalk, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,912 - $17,216 |
Landscaping Design | $2,150 - $2,867 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $427 - $2,565 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,710 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $374 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,485 - $85,486 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Dundalk
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the 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?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.