DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend 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 Mount Vernon Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaping company 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
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
Look for 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 designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Mount Vernon 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are 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
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Mount Vernon
Generally, landscaping costs $32–$48 per hour in Mount Vernon. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
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 Vernon
What are 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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