How To Find The Best Landscape Companies Near You
Services Performed by Local Landscapers
Landscaping is a large category that includes a variety of different services. While many professionals offer a variety of services, most specialize in one or two types of landscaping work.
Landscape Design
Professional landscape architects and designers work with you to create a beautiful and functional landscape plan. A design-build landscape company can fulfill the project from start to finish. Do-it-yourselfers can hire an independent landscape designer or architect to draw up the plan, then follow the plan to install it themselves. Consider hiring a professional to plan projects such as:
- General landscaping
- Landscape renovation
- Grading
- Hardscaping with concrete, stone, wall block and pavers
- Water features
- Drainage solutions
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn maintenance is the bread and butter of the landscaping world. Some discount landscapers specialize in “mow-blow-and-go.” They cut grass on the cheap but offer little problem-solving expertise. Full-service lawn maintenance companies are the best bet for routine yard care services at a fair price. In addition to regular mowing and edging, they offer a full palette of seasonal property maintenance services such as:
- Lawn and landscape fertilization
- Weed and disease control
- Tree and shrub pruning
- Fall leaf removal
- Spring landscape cleanup
- Aeration
- Lawn leveling
- Overseeding
Seasonal Color
Colorful annual flowers enhance curb appeal and give the landscape a vibrant look for a single growing season, but they must be replanted every year. The key to success is knowing which flowers grow in sun or shade, warm or cool weather and dry or moist soil. It’s also important to know how much space they require. Design-install firms and full service lawn care companies can create fresh new pockets of annual flowers that will thrive in your yard and wow the neighbors. These firms can also:
- Design custom flower combinations for your landscape
- Install in-ground and container plantings
- Create new garden beds
- Maintain seasonal color plantings (weeding, removing spent flower heads, replacing dead flowers and fertilization)
Hardscaping
Hardscaping includes those parts of the landscape that are not plants. In addition to fulfilling a practical function, these durable elements must be well designed to mesh with the landscape’s overall aesthetic. Design-build landscape companies are some of the best resources for planning and installing hardscape elements like:
- Patios, retaining walls and walkways
- Water features
- Landscape lighting
- Outdoor kitchens
- Drainage solutions
Irrigation
Irrigation is essential for keeping thirsty plants looking their best through dry weather. When it comes to repairing a broken sprinkler head, you or your lawn maintenance company can probably tackle the job. But if you need to repair extensive damage or install a new system, it is often best to reach out to an irrigation specialist. An irrigation specialist can also upgrade an existing system for water conservation or enhanced control features.
How to Find a Landscaper Near You
Narrow your search criteria by listing the specific services you need, then compile your list of candidates. Some of the best places to find landscapers are personal referrals from friends, family and acquaintances.
When to Hire a Landscaper
If your landscaping project needs direction, consider hiring a landscape architect or landscape designer to draw up a comprehensive landscape plan. Hiring a landscaper is often worth the money for projects that require expertise, time or talent, such as pruning a prize Japanese Maple or installing a custom water feature. It could also make sense to outsource simple chores like mowing in exchange for an extra hour or two of weekly free time.
DIY vs. Hiring a Local Landscaper
Those operating within a limited budget may consider DIY landscaping as a way to save money. This could be the best solution for routine lawn care or planting a few trees and shrubs. But when it comes to extensive landscape projects or complicated maintenance issues, the benefit of working with a pro is that their knowledge and experience make complicated tasks easier and difficult decisions more clear. Professionals can deliver cost effective results in a timely manner.