DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the 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 expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Barnstable Town Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
Choose a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Barnstable Town city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might 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 recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should choose plants native to your area, 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 services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Barnstable Town
Landscaping typically costs $30–$46 per hour in Barnstable Town, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,346 - $17,794 |
Landscaping Design | $2,303 - $3,070 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $436 - $2,619 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,746 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $381 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,170 - $87,289 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Barnstable Town
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some 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?
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