DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. 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 total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
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 professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who 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 El Paso Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and pruning—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the El Paso city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, 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, your landscaper should select 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
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in El Paso
Landscaping in El Paso generally costs between $17 and $26 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,854 - $15,805 |
Landscaping Design | $1,317 - $1,756 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $378 - $2,268 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $113 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $76 - $1,512 |
Planting Trees | $198 - $330 |
Sodding | $38 - $45 |
Swimming Pool | $28,731 - $75,607 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in El Paso
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should 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.