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 intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Appleton Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mulching—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
Choose full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Appleton city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. 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
Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check 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. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Appleton
Landscaping in Appleton generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,499 - $17,999 |
Landscaping Design | $2,144 - $2,858 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $427 - $2,562 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,708 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,454 - $85,405 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Appleton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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