DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Union Landscaping Company
Selecting 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
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper 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 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. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Union city government. It may also have 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 a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. 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 have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Union
In Union, you should expect to pay roughly $18–$27 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,362 - $15,150 |
Landscaping Design | $1,376 - $1,835 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $382 - $2,289 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $114 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $76 - $1,526 |
Planting Trees | $200 - $333 |
Sodding | $38 - $46 |
Swimming Pool | $28,997 - $76,307 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Union
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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