DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
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, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Olive Branch Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as mowing, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses 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
Try to find a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should choose native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Olive Branch
Landscaping in Olive Branch generally costs between $22 and $33 per hour. These prices 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. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,454 - $15,273 |
Landscaping Design | $1,642 - $2,189 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $397 - $2,384 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $119 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,589 |
Planting Trees | $208 - $347 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,193 - $79,456 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Olive Branch
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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