DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose 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 expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an O'Fallon Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include fertilizing, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Choose 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 designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the O'Fallon city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at 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. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should choose native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in O'Fallon
Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in O'Fallon, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,332 - $16,442 |
Landscaping Design | $2,014 - $2,685 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $419 - $2,516 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,677 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $367 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,871 - $83,871 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in O'Fallon
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the 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?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.