DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bloomfield Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll need 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 adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bloomfield city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Bloomfield
In Bloomfield, you can expect to spend approximately $24–$35 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks like mowing and gardening. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,660 - $16,879 |
Landscaping Design | $1,782 - $2,377 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $406 - $2,434 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,623 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $355 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,828 - $81,125 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bloomfield
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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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