DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge 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 Union Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, mowing, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Union city government. It might also 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 checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Union
Landscaping in Union generally costs between $30 and $44 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,728 - $16,970 |
Landscaping Design | $2,234 - $2,979 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $432 - $2,594 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,730 |
Planting Trees | $227 - $378 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,863 - $86,482 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Union
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.