DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Taunton Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
You want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Taunton city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. 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
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote should 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 Taunton
Landscaping typically costs $30–$46 per hour in Taunton, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,008 - $17,344 |
Landscaping Design | $2,303 - $3,070 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $436 - $2,619 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,746 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $381 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,170 - $87,289 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Taunton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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