DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems 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 landscaping contractor.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly 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 Haverford Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing 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 upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can 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 lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Haverford city government. The company may 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 suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. 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 about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Haverford
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$46 per hour in Haverford. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Haverford
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the 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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