DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. 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 handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create 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 expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Plano Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
Choose full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Plano city government. Your provider may have 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 provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
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, ideally 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 landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies—this lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Plano
Generally, landscaping costs $27–$40 per hour in Plano. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,346 - $17,794 |
Landscaping Design | $2,010 - $2,679 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $419 - $2,515 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,676 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $366 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,850 - $83,817 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Plano
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 a price with a landscaping company?
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