DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire 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 skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Oklahoma City Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You'll want full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, 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 provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Oklahoma City 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
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Oklahoma City
Generally, landscaping costs $26–$39 per hour in Oklahoma City. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,482 - $16,643 |
Landscaping Design | $1,966 - $2,622 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $417 - $2,499 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,666 |
Planting Trees | $218 - $364 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,656 - $83,306 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Oklahoma City
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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