DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Shelby Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Shelby city government. It might 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
You want a provider with an excellent 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. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should use native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best 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 Shelby
Landscaping typically costs $30–$44 per hour in Shelby, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows 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 Shelby
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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