DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bryan Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Bryan city government. The company may have 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like 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 affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Bryan
In Bryan, you should expect to spend roughly $24–$36 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks like mowing and gardening. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,960 - $15,946 |
Landscaping Design | $1,821 - $2,428 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $408 - $2,447 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,632 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $357 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,001 - $81,583 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bryan
What are 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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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