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 a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Cleveland Heights Landscaping Company
Choosing 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
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Cleveland Heights city government. Most contractors 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
Look for a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can 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 landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Cleveland Heights
Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in Cleveland Heights, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,810 - $17,080 |
Landscaping Design | $1,991 - $2,655 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $418 - $2,508 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,672 |
Planting Trees | $219 - $365 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,769 - $83,602 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Cleveland Heights
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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