DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the 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 attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Abilene Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your entire 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 gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Abilene city government. It might 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers 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
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Abilene
Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Abilene. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,076 - $17,435 |
Landscaping Design | $1,803 - $2,404 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $407 - $2,441 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,627 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $356 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,920 - $81,367 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Abilene
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 should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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