DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required 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.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Winston-Salem Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include fertilizing, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board. The company may 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
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
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 cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, you can expect to spend roughly $23–$34 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,199 - $16,265 |
Landscaping Design | $1,717 - $2,289 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $402 - $2,410 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,607 |
Planting Trees | $211 - $351 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,531 - $80,345 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Winston-Salem
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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