DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
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 company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Southampton Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure 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 provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, 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 also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Southampton city government. It might also 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including 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 completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should 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 of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Southampton
Landscaping typically costs $34–$51 per hour in Southampton, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Southampton
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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