DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total 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 maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Fall River Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, and fertilizing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Fall River 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
Try to find a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement plant life native to your area—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Fall River
Landscaping in Fall River generally costs between $30 and $46 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,008 - $17,344 |
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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Fall River
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price 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.