DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed 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.
You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set 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 Murfreesboro Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Choose a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard 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, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Murfreesboro
Landscaping typically costs $25–$38 per hour in Murfreesboro, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects need 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 influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,489 - $17,985 |
Landscaping Design | $1,907 - $2,543 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $413 - $2,478 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,652 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $361 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,390 - $82,606 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Murfreesboro
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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