DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Huntersville Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, mulching, mowing, pruning, and controlling weeds—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, 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 provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure 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
We recommend checking 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 select a provider 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 to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should choose plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss 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 Huntersville
Landscaping in Huntersville generally costs between $26 and $39 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,073 - $17,430 |
Landscaping Design | $1,989 - $2,652 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $418 - $2,507 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,671 |
Planting Trees | $219 - $365 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,758 - $83,575 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Huntersville
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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