DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
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 want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Clarksville 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 hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. It 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plant life (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 landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Clarksville
Generally, landscaping costs $23–$34 per hour in Clarksville. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,769 - $15,691 |
Landscaping Design | $1,737 - $2,316 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $403 - $2,418 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,612 |
Planting Trees | $211 - $352 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,623 - $80,587 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Clarksville
What are 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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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