DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Dallas Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, mowing, mulching, pruning, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
You want a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Dallas city government. It may 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select plants native to your area, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Dallas
Landscaping typically costs $29–$43 per hour in Dallas, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,448 - $17,931 |
Landscaping Design | $2,178 - $2,903 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,574 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,716 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,607 - $85,809 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Dallas
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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