DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge 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 costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Baytown Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, pruning, and fertilizing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. 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
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Baytown city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- 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 like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss 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.
Landscaping Costs in Baytown
Generally, landscaping costs $29–$43 per hour in Baytown. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,492 - $17,990 |
Landscaping Design | $2,175 - $2,900 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,573 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,716 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,597 - $85,782 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Baytown
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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