DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many 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.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills 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 Bristol Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaping company 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
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as mowing, pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bristol city government. Your provider may 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 positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past 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
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plants (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Bristol
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in Bristol. These costs vary based on project size and type. 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 impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Bristol
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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