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 irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Springfield Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
Look for 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, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Springfield city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider might 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 a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that 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 delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Springfield
Landscaping in Springfield generally costs between $27 and $40 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,789 - $17,052 |
Landscaping Design | $2,028 - $2,704 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $420 - $2,521 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,681 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $367 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,932 - $84,032 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Springfield
What are 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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