DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
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're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Harlingen Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs 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
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some providers 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 management and tree cutting services.
You want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Harlingen 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include water conservation, waste management, 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 current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Harlingen
In Harlingen, you should expect to spend approximately $17–$25 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than easier tasks such as mowing and gardening. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,680 - $15,573 |
Landscaping Design | $1,253 - $1,671 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $374 - $2,246 |
Landscaping Mulch | $22 - $112 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $75 - $1,497 |
Planting Trees | $196 - $327 |
Sodding | $37 - $45 |
Swimming Pool | $28,444 - $74,853 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Harlingen
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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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