DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Jackson Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mowing, mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your whole 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, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Jackson city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. 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 such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Jackson
Landscaping in Jackson generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,796 - $17,061 |
Landscaping Design | $2,109 - $2,813 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,550 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,700 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $371 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,301 - $85,001 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Jackson
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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