DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Rocky Mount Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, mowing, and fertilizing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. Your provider may have 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
You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Rocky Mount
Generally, landscaping costs $15–$22 per hour in Rocky Mount. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,799 - $15,732 |
Landscaping Design | $1,133 - $1,510 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $367 - $2,203 |
Landscaping Mulch | $22 - $110 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $73 - $1,469 |
Planting Trees | $192 - $321 |
Sodding | $37 - $44 |
Swimming Pool | $27,902 - $73,427 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Rocky Mount
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.