DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require 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, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set 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 expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Concord Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option 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 landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company'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
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Concord
Landscaping typically costs $25–$37 per hour in Concord, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,625 - $16,834 |
Landscaping Design | $1,882 - $2,510 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $412 - $2,469 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,646 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $360 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,278 - $82,310 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Concord
What are some 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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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