DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, 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 complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hampton Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Hampton city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should use native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Hampton
Landscaping in Hampton generally costs between $23 and $35 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,837 - $17,116 |
Landscaping Design | $1,764 - $2,352 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $405 - $2,427 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $121 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,618 |
Planting Trees | $212 - $354 |
Sodding | $40 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,746 - $80,910 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hampton
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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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