DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
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 doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Plain Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Plain city government. 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
We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Plain
Generally, landscaping costs $23–$34 per hour in Plain. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive 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 may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,595 - $16,793 |
Landscaping Design | $1,714 - $2,286 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $402 - $2,410 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $120 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,606 |
Planting Trees | $210 - $351 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,521 - $80,318 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Plain
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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