DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Clinton Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include pruning, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Clinton city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, 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
Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like 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, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Clinton
Landscaping in Clinton generally costs between $30 and $44 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. 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 Clinton
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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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