DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require 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 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 develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Cheektowaga Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as pruning, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Cheektowaga 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
You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. 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 about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Cheektowaga
Landscaping typically costs $24–$36 per hour in Cheektowaga, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,031 - $16,042 |
Landscaping Design | $1,796 - $2,395 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $406 - $2,439 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,626 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $355 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,889 - $81,287 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Cheektowaga
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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