DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. 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 Cuyahoga Falls Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Cuyahoga Falls city government. It 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
You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should choose plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. 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 Cuyahoga Falls
Landscaping typically costs $25–$37 per hour in Cuyahoga Falls, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,810 - $17,080 |
Landscaping Design | $1,887 - $2,516 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $412 - $2,471 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,647 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $360 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,298 - $82,363 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Cuyahoga Falls
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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