DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Babylon Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Babylon city government. Your provider may 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 suggest using third-party review sites like 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 unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use 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
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer 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 may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Babylon
Generally, landscaping costs $34–$51 per hour in Babylon. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,134 - $17,512 |
Landscaping Design | $2,586 - $3,449 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $453 - $2,720 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $136 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $91 - $1,813 |
Planting Trees | $238 - $396 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,449 - $90,654 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Babylon
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can 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.