DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an St. Peters Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the St. Peters city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider might 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 using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in St. Peters
Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in St. Peters, 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 your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in St. Peters
What are some 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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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