DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise 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 improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Springfield Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before picking a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Springfield city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Springfield
Landscaping typically costs $21–$32 per hour in Springfield, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,823 - $15,764 |
Landscaping Design | $1,619 - $2,159 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $396 - $2,376 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $119 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,584 |
Planting Trees | $207 - $346 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,091 - $79,187 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Springfield
What are some 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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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