DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Killeen 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 considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Killeen city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Request to see 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. 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
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use native area plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Killeen
In Killeen, you should expect to spend around $22–$34 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,936 - $15,914 |
Landscaping Design | $1,698 - $2,265 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $401 - $2,404 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $120 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,603 |
Planting Trees | $210 - $350 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,449 - $80,129 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Killeen
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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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