DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Youngstown Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
You'll need 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 designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. 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
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Youngstown city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Youngstown
Generally, landscaping costs $19–$28 per hour in Youngstown. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,854 - $15,805 |
Landscaping Design | $1,437 - $1,916 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $385 - $2,311 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $116 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $77 - $1,541 |
Planting Trees | $202 - $337 |
Sodding | $39 - $46 |
Swimming Pool | $29,273 - $77,034 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Youngstown
What are 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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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