DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction 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 want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor. Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Brookhaven Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
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Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services. Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
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Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Brookhaven 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
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Reputation and Reviews
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
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Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
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Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should use native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
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Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
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