DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.
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 landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Richardson Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with yard health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company 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 upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Richardson city government. It might also 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
Look for a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Richardson
Generally, landscaping costs $29–$43 per hour in Richardson. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex 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 | $13,448 - $17,931 |
Landscaping Design | $2,178 - $2,903 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,574 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,716 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,607 - $85,809 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Richardson
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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