DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, 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.
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 landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Flint Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper 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 landscaping rock projects, gardening, 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 are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Flint 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
Look for a contractor who has a good 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. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Flint
In Flint, you should expect to spend approximately $32–$48 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,949 - $15,933 |
Landscaping Design | $2,414 - $3,218 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $443 - $2,658 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $133 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $89 - $1,772 |
Planting Trees | $232 - $387 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,671 - $88,608 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Flint
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 can 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.