DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bensalem Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
Choose 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. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bensalem city government. It might also 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
We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Bensalem
Landscaping in Bensalem generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,704 - $16,939 |
Landscaping Design | $2,114 - $2,819 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,552 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,701 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,321 - $85,055 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bensalem
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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