DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. 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 skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an McKinney Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, and mowing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
You'll want full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the McKinney city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. 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 such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should choose plant life native to your area—such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in McKinney
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in McKinney. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,841 - $18,454 |
Landscaping Design | $2,139 - $2,852 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $427 - $2,561 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,707 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,433 - $85,351 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in McKinney
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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.