DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living 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 Frederick Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance 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 hold the appropriate licensure from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. It 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
We suggest checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Frederick
Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in Frederick, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,574 - $16,766 |
Landscaping Design | $1,980 - $2,640 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $417 - $2,504 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,669 |
Planting Trees | $219 - $365 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,717 - $83,467 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Frederick
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 a price with a landscaping company?
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