DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have 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 skills and expertise 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 Roanoke Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Roanoke city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. 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
You want a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should select plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your 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 deal.
Landscaping Costs in Roanoke
Generally, landscaping costs $22–$33 per hour in Roanoke. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,363 - $16,483 |
Landscaping Design | $1,676 - $2,234 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $399 - $2,396 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $120 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,597 |
Planting Trees | $209 - $349 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,347 - $79,860 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Roanoke
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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