DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an McAllen Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the McAllen city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, 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 like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in McAllen
Landscaping typically costs $18–$26 per hour in McAllen, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,304 - $15,072 |
Landscaping Design | $1,328 - $1,771 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $379 - $2,272 |
Landscaping Mulch | $23 - $114 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $76 - $1,515 |
Planting Trees | $198 - $331 |
Sodding | $38 - $45 |
Swimming Pool | $28,782 - $75,742 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in McAllen
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the 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?
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