DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a complete 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. A professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Plymouth Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, 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’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Plymouth 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Plymouth
Landscaping in Plymouth generally costs between $32 and $48 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Plymouth
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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