DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an College Station 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 shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the College Station city government. It might also employ 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
We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
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. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use native area plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in College Station
In College Station, you can expect to pay around $24–$36 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
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 College Station
What are some 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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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