DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Georgetown Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Georgetown 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose plants native to your area, such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Georgetown
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$45 per hour in Georgetown. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,349 - $16,465 |
Landscaping Design | $2,280 - $3,040 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $435 - $2,611 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,740 |
Planting Trees | $228 - $380 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,068 - $87,020 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Georgetown
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.