DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Newton Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as pruning, mowing, mulching, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
Plan to 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 upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Newton city government. It might also 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should select plant life native to your area—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best 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 of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Newton
Generally, landscaping costs $35–$53 per hour in Newton. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's 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 Newton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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