DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
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 larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Irondequoit Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Irondequoit city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider might 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
Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Irondequoit
Landscaping in Irondequoit generally costs between $30 and $45 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,250 - $16,333 |
Landscaping Design | $2,266 - $3,022 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $434 - $2,606 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,737 |
Planting Trees | $228 - $380 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,006 - $86,859 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Irondequoit
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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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