DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, 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 architects and designers have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Tucson Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, pruning, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Tucson city government. It may have the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Tucson
Landscaping typically costs $20–$31 per hour in Tucson, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,444 - $16,593 |
Landscaping Design | $1,549 - $2,065 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $392 - $2,351 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $118 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $78 - $1,567 |
Planting Trees | $205 - $342 |
Sodding | $39 - $47 |
Swimming Pool | $29,774 - $78,353 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Tucson
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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