DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, 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 architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an DeSoto Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mulching, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the DeSoto city government. The company may 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
Try to find a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in DeSoto
Generally, landscaping costs $29–$43 per hour in DeSoto. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,448 - $17,931 |
Landscaping Design | $2,178 - $2,903 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,574 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,716 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,607 - $85,809 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in DeSoto
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.