DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.
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 landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most 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 the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Plymouth Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include pruning, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It might 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 for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Plymouth
Landscaping in Plymouth generally costs between $29 and $44 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. 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 Plymouth
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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