DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects 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 knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Mount Pleasant Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and mulching—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Mount Pleasant city government. It 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might 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 let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Mount Pleasant
Landscaping typically costs $32–$48 per hour in Mount Pleasant, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,117 - $17,489 |
Landscaping Design | $2,407 - $3,209 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $443 - $2,656 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $133 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $89 - $1,771 |
Planting Trees | $232 - $387 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,640 - $88,528 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Mount Pleasant
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
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What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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