DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Dearborn Heights Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Dearborn Heights city government. The company 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Dearborn Heights
Generally, landscaping costs $29–$44 per hour in Dearborn Heights. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,666 - $16,888 |
Landscaping Design | $2,230 - $2,973 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $432 - $2,593 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,729 |
Planting Trees | $226 - $378 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,843 - $86,428 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Dearborn Heights
What are some 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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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