DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Georgetown Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should possess the appropriate licenses from the Georgetown city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider might 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 suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Georgetown
Landscaping in Georgetown generally costs between $32 and $47 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,994 - $17,325 |
Landscaping Design | $2,387 - $3,182 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $441 - $2,649 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $132 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $88 - $1,766 |
Planting Trees | $231 - $386 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,548 - $88,285 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Georgetown
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price 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.