DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, 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 complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hattiesburg 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 shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company 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 gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Mississippi Bureau of Plant Industry. 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should use native plant life (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Hattiesburg
Generally, landscaping costs $17–$25 per hour in Hattiesburg. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex 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 | $11,263 - $15,018 |
Landscaping Design | $1,260 - $1,680 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $375 - $2,248 |
Landscaping Mulch | $22 - $112 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $75 - $1,499 |
Planting Trees | $196 - $327 |
Sodding | $37 - $45 |
Swimming Pool | $28,475 - $74,934 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hattiesburg
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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