DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Greensboro Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might 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
Try to find a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should select native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Greensboro
Generally, landscaping costs $18–$28 per hour in Greensboro. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,977 - $15,969 |
Landscaping Design | $1,390 - $1,853 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $382 - $2,294 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $115 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $76 - $1,529 |
Planting Trees | $200 - $334 |
Sodding | $38 - $46 |
Swimming Pool | $29,058 - $76,468 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Greensboro
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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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