DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with 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 larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Mission Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, fertilizing, mowing, pruning, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Mission 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
You want a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Mission
Landscaping typically costs $18–$26 per hour in Mission, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows 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 Mission
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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