DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Fargo Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include pruning, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Fargo city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Fargo
Generally, landscaping costs $20–$30 per hour in Fargo. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,731 - $15,641 |
Landscaping Design | $1,514 - $2,019 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $390 - $2,338 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $117 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $78 - $1,559 |
Planting Trees | $204 - $341 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,621 - $77,949 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Fargo
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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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