DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers 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. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Huntington Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Huntington city government. It may 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
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Request 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. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use plant life native to your area—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies 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 materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Huntington
Landscaping in Huntington generally costs between $34 and $51 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Huntington
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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