DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Gastonia Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (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
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Gastonia
Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Gastonia, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,605 - $16,807 |
Landscaping Design | $2,089 - $2,785 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $424 - $2,543 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,695 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $370 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,208 - $84,759 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Gastonia
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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