DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Cleveland Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should possess 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 might 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
Look for a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally 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. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should select plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Cleveland
Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Cleveland. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
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 Cleveland
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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