DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. 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.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Coon Rapids Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Choose a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. 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
We suggest checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Coon Rapids
In Coon Rapids, you should expect to pay approximately $28–$43 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Bigger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,015 - $17,353 |
Landscaping Design | $2,146 - $2,861 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $427 - $2,563 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,709 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,464 - $85,432 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Coon Rapids
What are 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 a price with a landscaping company?
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