DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an West Chester Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mulching—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the West Chester 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 provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in West Chester
Landscaping in West Chester generally costs between $25 and $38 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,516 - $16,688 |
Landscaping Design | $1,914 - $2,552 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $413 - $2,481 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,654 |
Planting Trees | $217 - $361 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,421 - $82,686 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in West Chester
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the 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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