DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Moorhead Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, pruning, mowing, mulching, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
You'll need full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Your provider 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should use native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Moorhead
In Moorhead, you can expect to spend around $20–$30 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks such as mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,530 - $15,373 |
Landscaping Design | $1,521 - $2,028 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $390 - $2,341 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $117 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $78 - $1,561 |
Planting Trees | $204 - $341 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,651 - $78,030 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Moorhead
What are some 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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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