DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend 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 doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Framingham Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and fertilizing. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Framingham city government. It may have 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. 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
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Framingham
Landscaping in Framingham generally costs between $35 and $53 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,537 - $18,049 |
Landscaping Design | $2,686 - $3,582 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $459 - $2,755 |
Landscaping Mulch | $28 - $138 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $92 - $1,837 |
Planting Trees | $241 - $401 |
Sodding | $46 - $55 |
Swimming Pool | $34,899 - $91,838 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Framingham
What are some 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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