DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional construction and machinery expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A 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 you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lawton Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including pruning, mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mulching—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Lawton city government. It might also 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
Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that 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, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. 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, the company should use plants native to your area, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Lawton
Landscaping in Lawton generally costs between $13 and $19 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $10,990 - $14,654 |
Landscaping Design | $983 - $1,311 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $358 - $2,150 |
Landscaping Mulch | $21 - $107 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $72 - $1,433 |
Planting Trees | $188 - $313 |
Sodding | $36 - $43 |
Swimming Pool | $27,227 - $71,650 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Lawton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing 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.