DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Brockton Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Look for full-service landscaping 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 fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Brockton city government. 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 positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Brockton
Generally, landscaping costs $32–$48 per hour in Brockton. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,038 - $17,385 |
Landscaping Design | $2,446 - $3,261 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $445 - $2,670 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $133 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $89 - $1,780 |
Planting Trees | $233 - $389 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,814 - $88,985 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Brockton
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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