DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Brentwood Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
You'll need a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. 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
Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider 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 previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request the company'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 during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should opt for native plants (such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Brentwood
In Brentwood, you can expect to spend approximately $29–$43 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks such as gardening and mowing. 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. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,083 - $17,444 |
Landscaping Design | $2,191 - $2,922 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $430 - $2,579 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,719 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $376 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,669 - $85,970 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Brentwood
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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