DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Gallatin Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, and mulching—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses 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
We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should use plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Gallatin
Landscaping in Gallatin generally costs between $27 and $41 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,950 - $18,600 |
Landscaping Design | $2,073 - $2,764 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $423 - $2,537 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,691 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $370 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,137 - $84,571 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Gallatin
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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