DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Strongsville Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for 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 upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Strongsville 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Strongsville
Generally, landscaping costs $22–$32 per hour in Strongsville. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,567 - $16,756 |
Landscaping Design | $1,635 - $2,180 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $397 - $2,381 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $119 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $79 - $1,588 |
Planting Trees | $208 - $347 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,163 - $79,376 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Strongsville
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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