DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Perinton Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mowing, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
You'll want full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Perinton 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
Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like 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, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your 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 water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should choose native plant life—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Perinton
Landscaping typically costs $30–$45 per hour in Perinton, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as 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 price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Perinton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.