[Catwntrstn]

I got a quote for a very small area in my front yard. Some items listed: removing pine straw - $250. Place matting down - $150. I just don’t get it, really? I can buy a roll of garden matting at Lowe’s for $12.99. I only need 3 tons of gravel. Is there a place where a resident can purchase a load of rocks? I’m not doing this for a showcase, I just want some very basic, minimal work done. Total quote $2550.
I’m new to TV, this seems outrageous to me. What am I missing?
Can I do some or all of this myself?

[smarro52]

We are new in TV also We also want the pine needles GONE and rock put in
I’ll be interested to see the replies to your post

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Catwntrstn

I got a quote for a very small area in my front yard. Some items listed: removing pine straw - $250. Place matting down - $150. I just don’t get it, really? I can buy a roll of garden matting at Lowe’s for $12.99. I only need 3 tons of gravel. Is there a place where a resident can purchase a load of rocks? I’m not doing this for a showcase, I just want some very basic, minimal work done. Total quote $2550.
I’m new to TV, this seems outrageous to me. What am I missing?
Can I do some or all of this myself?

Yes, you can do it yourself. One place you can buy rocks is at Home Depot, but I would shop around. I would get approval from ARC before you do anything. Most people don't want to do that type of work, and the $2,550 price sounds reasonable, depending on the size of the area. If you do hire a landscaper, get competitive quotes, and do not pay any money until they complete the work. Good luck.

[Stu from NYC]

Quite a few contractors think we are all rich and can afford to pay higher prices.

They apparently think we are also stupid.

I would also get some more quotes (see whom your neighbors use) and follow the advise of Retired Guy in dealing with contractors.

[Catwntrstn]

Appreciate the advice.

I’ve got a 68 year old husband who has Alzheimer’s. He’s as strong as an ox and we need something to do. He can help remove pine straw. He can unload bags of Home Depot stones. Someone please tell me it’s not a bad idea to do some of this stuff ourselves!

It’s not like I’m cheap (well, a little) or we can’t afford it. We’re putting a pool in the backyard…that’s where I want to splurge. That will be our (his) oasis. The front…I’m not here to impress anyone. I just want something basic and I don’t see handing over $2550 (while I sit on my rear and watch) when I can do it myself for less than half of that.

Does anyone else feel me?
😊

[JohnN]

Go to Dirt Cheap on Highway 27/441 north of highway 42. They sell most of rock around here. They'll deliver it (used to be $50 per truckload) and there are plenty of folks around who can spread it if you don't want to. Dirt Cheap used to have a lot of business cards on their register wall and they can make a suggestion.

[retiredguy123]

If you can do it, then it is a good idea. Get ARC approval before starting. If you do any digging, be careful about hitting cables. They are very shallow.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Catwntrstn

I got a quote for a very small area in my front yard. Some items listed: removing pine straw - $250. Place matting down - $150. I just don’t get it, really? I can buy a roll of garden matting at Lowe’s for $12.99. I only need 3 tons of gravel. Is there a place where a resident can purchase a load of rocks? I’m not doing this for a showcase, I just want some very basic, minimal work done. Total quote $2550.
I’m new to TV, this seems outrageous to me. What am I missing?
Can I do some or all of this myself?

When you buy the weed blocking fabric, buy the better quality fabric. It is more effective at blocking weeds and lasts much longer.
Also there are places that will deliver the rocks you want and dump it in your driveway. Buy or rent a wheelbarrow to move the rock.
I have done what you want to do. Just take your time.

[mike1946]

Yep - Dirt Cheap on 441 is the place to go.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by JohnN

Go to Dirt Cheap on Highway 27/441 north of highway 42. They sell most of rock around here. They'll deliver it (used to be $50 per truckload) and there are plenty of folks around who can spread it if you don't want to. Dirt Cheap used to have a lot of business cards on their register wall and they can make a suggestion.

Second vote for Russo’s Dirt Cheap.

[bobeaston]

Labor is usually the largest component of any renovation work. Right behind labor is the capital investment the contractors make to support their businesses (that truck and all the tools, the sales people, the people who schedule the work, and the accounting people who manage the firm's money, and the fuel to drive everything to your doorstep). It all adds up.

When you do it yourself, very rarely do you consider the cost of your own time, or the cost of your own tools, or all the rest of the capital investment costs. So, the contrast is always striking.

and...
... if you lobbied for, or supported, a $15 minimum wage, you increased your landscape costs
... if you lobbied for, or supported, shutting down oil pipelines, you increased your landscaping costs (gasoline has increased more than 40% in a mere 6 months.)

[Rwirish]

Attend a Master Gardners class in TV. The pine straw should stay and a no to the rocks.

[thevillagernie]

try doing it yourself !!!!!!!!!

[akerwin1909]

Originally Posted by smarro52

We are new in TV also We also want the pine needles GONE and rock put in
I’ll be interested to see the replies to your post

I had a quote for $8000 to remove rock and put a few plants in last year. Keep calling people.

[banjobob]

You can do it all yourself ,