DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
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 total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local 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 expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Longview Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include fertilizing, mulching, mowing, pruning, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Longview 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous 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. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Longview
In Longview, you should expect to spend roughly $26–$38 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,206 - $16,274 |
Landscaping Design | $1,937 - $2,583 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $415 - $2,489 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,659 |
Planting Trees | $217 - $363 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,523 - $82,956 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Longview
What are some 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 can 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.