DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
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 landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills 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 Livonia Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, and mowing—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Livonia city government. It may also 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring 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 your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Livonia
Landscaping in Livonia generally costs between $29 and $44 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Livonia
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some 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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