Landscaping Design and Yard Maintenance Landscaping design can get expensive if you don’t have a plan. Before you start, estimate the costs of materials you’ll need for your landscaping project. There are three main categories for material costs; supplies, labor, and equipment. For example, grass seed, grass clippings, fertilizer, tools, landscaping stakes, garden hoes, rakes, gloves, etc. should all be included in the supplies category.
Lawn Care Price For upkeep, lawn upkeep, garden, landscaping, and general landscaping maintenance, the typical homeowner will be spending at least $100 – $150/month for professional services. Expect to spend more for a bigger company with many employees because of overhead expenses. The average cost will also differ depending on the size of your lawn, your location, and how much work you have to get done regularly. If you have a small yard or one that doesn’t require as much maintenance, you may be able to get by with a low-cost lawn care service. However, if your lawn is normal for the size of the area and if you have regular work to do, it’s more economical to hire a landscaping company. One good tip is to get a quote from several companies so you can compare prices.
Landscaping Design Prices Depending on who you get the services from, your landscaping design costs could vary. If you contact a landscape contractor to do your project, expect the total price to include the price of the mowers, the tools needed to cut the grass, fertilizer, chemicals used for weed control, and other lawn mowing necessities. With a single provider, expect the same prices for the lawn mowing, fertilizing, chemicals, and other services. The landscape contractor may ask for an estimate before any other work begins, but a single provider will typically provide these services on their own. When comparing costs, make sure to take into account any possible discounts.
Hardscape Design Prices Depending on whether you get a contractor or a single provider for your landscape design needs, you are likely going to pay a similar price for the same job. Contractors may charge less because they do all the heavy lifting for you. You will still need to hire a professional landscaping company or landscaping crew to plant trees, add borders and walkways, repaint walkways, driveways, remove sod, etc. A single provider will probably charge more because they will have to coordinate the entire project with other contractors and landscape services.
Watering Costs Watering is another aspect of landscaping that makes up part of the landscaping costs. You should calculate the amount of water needed per week based on the size and condition of your lawn. If you have an average size yard with fair weather, you should be able to maintain your lawn water supply without much trouble. If you have a smaller yard or live in an area with unusual weather patterns, you should consider getting a sprinkler system for added irrigation benefits. You can learn more about water features by registering for a free water guidebook.
Hiring a Landscape Designer Whether you have a landscaping company or a single individual landscaping professional, you will still have landscaping ideas to work with. A landscape designer can help you with the details and lay out your dream plan. Some landscaping companies have studios that will allow you to come in and show your house plans and make changes as you go. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, this may be the best solution for you. Be sure to check on the landscaping company’s reputation and ask friends and neighbors for referrals before hiring a landscape designer.
The Internet and Local Business Directory It is very easy to find landscaping companies or home improvement stores that specialize in landscape design. You can also do a search on Google, Yahoo! or MSN to find landscaping ideas. Local business directories that list landscaping projects and companies also vary depending on your area and the type of business you are trying to find.
If you are having problems deciding on a landscaping company or landscaping ideas, consider going to a landscape store or looking through a catalog of landscaping projects. There is a wide variety of landscaping projects from a simple walkway or a vegetable garden to a large landscaping project like an entire landscape designed for a business. There are many variables when you are designing a landscape and some landscaping companies charge according to the difficulty of each project. Some landscaping companies charge according to the square footage of the project. Regardless of what route you choose to look for landscaping ideas, always compare prices between landscaping companies. The internet can be a great tool to help you with your landscaping design needs, but never buy from someone who you have never met before!