DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Macomb Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Macomb city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. 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
Try to find a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should implement plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Macomb
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$44 per hour in Macomb. These costs vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Macomb
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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