DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Midland Landscaping Company
Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mulching, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and controlling weeds—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Midland city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Try to find a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Midland
Landscaping typically costs $29–$43 per hour in Midland, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,281 - $17,708 |
Landscaping Design | $2,169 - $2,891 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,571 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,714 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,566 - $85,701 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Midland
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
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.