DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may 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 necessitate machinery and construction experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor. Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Amarillo Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
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Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services. You want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
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Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Amarillo city government. It may also have the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
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Reputation and Reviews
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
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Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
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Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should choose 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.
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Cost
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
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