DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed 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 costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Kingsport Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
You need 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 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
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. It might also 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 recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous 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, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select plants native to your area, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer 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 price.
Landscaping Costs in Kingsport
Landscaping typically costs $19–$29 per hour in Kingsport, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,909 - $15,878 |
Landscaping Design | $1,469 - $1,959 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $387 - $2,322 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $116 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $77 - $1,548 |
Planting Trees | $203 - $338 |
Sodding | $39 - $46 |
Swimming Pool | $29,416 - $77,410 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Kingsport
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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