DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Memphis Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. It may also have 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 an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work done 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 your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Memphis
In Memphis, you should expect to spend around $28–$42 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than simpler tasks like mowing and gardening. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,103 - $17,471 |
Landscaping Design | $2,109 - $2,813 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,550 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,700 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $371 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,301 - $85,001 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Memphis
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How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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