DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Chesterfield Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Chesterfield city government. It may have 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Chesterfield
Landscaping in Chesterfield generally costs between $30 and $44 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,827 - $17,102 |
Landscaping Design | $2,239 - $2,985 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $433 - $2,596 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,731 |
Planting Trees | $227 - $378 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,884 - $86,536 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Chesterfield
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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