DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
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 space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Abington Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Abington city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might 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
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor'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 to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Abington
In Abington, you can expect to pay roughly $30–$46 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks like mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,936 - $17,248 |
Landscaping Design | $2,307 - $3,076 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $437 - $2,620 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,747 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $382 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,190 - $87,343 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Abington
What are 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 a price with a landscaping company?
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