DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Troy Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, mowing, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Troy 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 companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; 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 providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Troy
In Troy, you can expect to pay approximately $30–$45 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,236 - $17,649 |
Landscaping Design | $2,278 - $3,037 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $435 - $2,610 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,740 |
Planting Trees | $228 - $380 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,057 - $86,993 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Troy
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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