DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lower Paxton Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and pruning—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
You need a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Lower Paxton city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor 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
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Lower Paxton
Landscaping in Lower Paxton generally costs between $26 and $39 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,260 - $17,680 |
Landscaping Design | $1,944 - $2,592 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $415 - $2,491 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,661 |
Planting Trees | $218 - $363 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,554 - $83,036 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Lower Paxton
What are some 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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