DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living 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 Bridgewater Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bridgewater city government. It may also have 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Bridgewater
Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Bridgewater, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,588 - $16,784 |
Landscaping Design | $2,094 - $2,791 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $424 - $2,544 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,696 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,229 - $84,813 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bridgewater
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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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