DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, 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're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Houston Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, mowing, pruning, mulching, and controlling weeds—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, 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 various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Houston 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
Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Houston
In Houston, you should expect to pay around $29–$43 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks like mowing and gardening. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,492 - $17,990 |
Landscaping Design | $2,175 - $2,900 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,573 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,716 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,597 - $85,782 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Houston
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the 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.