DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction 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 want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Houston Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Houston city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Houston
Landscaping typically costs $29–$43 per hour in Houston, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,492 - $17,990 |
Landscaping Design | $2,175 - $2,900 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,573 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,716 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,597 - $85,782 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Houston
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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