DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More 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 hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn 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 professional can explain 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 Westland Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mowing, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Choose full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Westland city government. It may 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
Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention 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 proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should choose native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Westland
Landscaping in Westland generally costs between $29 and $44 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's 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 Westland
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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