DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set 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 Centreville Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations 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 can include controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, fertilizing, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Centreville city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Centreville
Generally, landscaping costs $31–$46 per hour in Centreville. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,001 - $17,335 |
Landscaping Design | $2,328 - $3,103 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $438 - $2,628 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $88 - $1,752 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $383 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,282 - $87,585 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Centreville
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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