DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
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 space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an South Brunswick Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
Look for full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, 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
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the South Brunswick city government. It might 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
Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in South Brunswick
Landscaping in South Brunswick generally costs between $26 and $39 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Larger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,888 - $18,518 |
Landscaping Design | $1,948 - $2,598 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $415 - $2,493 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,662 |
Planting Trees | $218 - $363 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,574 - $83,090 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in South Brunswick
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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