DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs 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 the needed lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Edina Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It may 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Edina
Landscaping typically costs $29–$44 per hour in Edina, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,639 - $18,186 |
Landscaping Design | $2,219 - $2,958 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $431 - $2,589 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,726 |
Planting Trees | $226 - $377 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,791 - $86,293 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Edina
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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