DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Medford Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for 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 gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Medford city government. 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 such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Medford
Landscaping typically costs $35–$53 per hour in Medford, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Medford
What are some 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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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