DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lansing Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a company. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Lansing 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 suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Lansing
Landscaping typically costs $25–$37 per hour in Lansing, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,083 - $17,444 |
Landscaping Design | $1,866 - $2,489 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $411 - $2,464 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,642 |
Planting Trees | $215 - $359 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,206 - $82,121 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Lansing
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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