DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. 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, or smaller projects for which you lack 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 expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Las Cruces Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services might include pruning, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
Choose a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should have the appropriate licenses from the Las Cruces city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider might employ 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 with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones 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 showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company'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 is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should opt for 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 multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Las Cruces
Landscaping typically costs $17–$25 per hour in Las Cruces, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,110 - $14,813 |
Landscaping Design | $1,274 - $1,698 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $375 - $2,253 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $113 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $75 - $1,502 |
Planting Trees | $197 - $328 |
Sodding | $38 - $45 |
Swimming Pool | $28,536 - $75,096 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Las Cruces
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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