DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. 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.
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 want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Gulfport Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Mississippi Bureau of Plant Industry. It might also 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
We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Homeowners 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 review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Gulfport
In Gulfport, you can expect to pay roughly $21–$32 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than easier tasks like mowing and gardening. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,454 - $15,273 |
Landscaping Design | $1,603 - $2,137 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $395 - $2,370 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $118 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,580 |
Planting Trees | $207 - $345 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $30,019 - $78,999 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Gulfport
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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