DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
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 landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Parma Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mowing, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Parma city government. It may also 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
Look for 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
Request 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 images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss 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 Parma
Generally, landscaping costs $26–$39 per hour in Parma. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 Parma
What are some 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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