DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. 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 lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Providence Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mulching, fertilizing, mowing, pruning, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Providence city government. It may 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 companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should use native plant life—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and may 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 should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Providence
Generally, landscaping costs $31–$46 per hour in Providence. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,663 - $16,884 |
Landscaping Design | $2,316 - $3,088 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $437 - $2,624 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,749 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $382 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,231 - $87,451 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Providence
What are some 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 a price with a landscaping company?
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