DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Apex Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, fertilizing, and mowing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. It might 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 gets good reviews from customers. You can check 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 delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones 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
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should opt for native plant life (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Apex
In Apex, you should expect to spend around $25–$38 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require 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 | $13,107 - $17,476 |
Landscaping Design | $1,930 - $2,573 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $414 - $2,486 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,657 |
Planting Trees | $217 - $362 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,492 - $82,875 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Apex
What are some 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 a price with a landscaping company?
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