DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Manchester Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include pruning, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Manchester 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
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should choose native plant life—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact 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
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Manchester
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in Manchester. These prices vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's 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 Manchester
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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