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 a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate 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 the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose 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 costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Waltham Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll need a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Waltham city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose 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
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Waltham
Landscaping typically costs $35–$53 per hour in Waltham, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Waltham
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.