DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create 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 you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Florissant Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Florissant city government. The company 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
Try to find a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Florissant
Generally, landscaping costs $27–$40 per hour in Florissant. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,854 - $17,139 |
Landscaping Design | $2,037 - $2,716 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $421 - $2,524 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,683 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $368 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,973 - $84,140 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Florissant
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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