DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Chattanooga Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see 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 might include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Chattanooga
Landscaping in Chattanooga generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,765 - $17,020 |
Landscaping Design | $1,841 - $2,455 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $409 - $2,455 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,637 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $358 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,094 - $81,825 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Chattanooga
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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