DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Mount Laurel Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring 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
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Mount Laurel city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Mount Laurel
Generally, landscaping costs $26–$38 per hour in Mount Laurel. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,052 - $17,403 |
Landscaping Design | $1,937 - $2,583 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $415 - $2,489 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,659 |
Planting Trees | $217 - $363 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,523 - $82,956 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Mount Laurel
What are some 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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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