How to Estimate Garden Maintenance Costs
Landscape maintenance is more than cutting the grass. Trimming bushes, trees, fertilizing, planting flowerbed plants and installing floodlights and irrigation sprinkler systems are also a part of the job. Plants, fertilizer, top soil, mulch, tools and landscape related items can add up quickly. Before hiring someone to create that backyard garden paradise or choosing to do it yourself, it is important to estimate a budget.
- Walk your property noticing what needs to be done, such as a sprinkler system that needs to be fixed, trees that need to be trimmed or hedges that need pruning. Write these down on a piece of paper.
- Contact a lawn maintenance company, landscaping maintenance specialist or go to a home improvement store and price equipment, tools and landscape plants.
- When you visit the home improvement store, write down prices and inquire regarding contractors who may be registered with them.
- When you meet with a contractor, get everything in writing.
- Never agree to any labor until you have a specific agreement detailing what they are planning to do.
- Look at the labor cost. It is common to pay $50.00 per hour for three workers.
- Purchasing your own plants, mulch and fertilizers can save you thousands in labor and mark-up if the contractor purchases these items himself. DIY books and instructions are available both online and at most home improvement stores. This offers you personal customization you may not find with a contractor.
- Educated creativity is an option by hiring a landscaper. They have years of experience, training and education on the latest techniques, technologies and sciences behind creating a beautiful landscaped garden. Depending on what your end goal is, hiring an expert may be the way to go.