DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Sugar Land Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Sugar Land city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- 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 negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should select 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. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Sugar Land
Landscaping typically costs $24–$37 per hour in Sugar Land, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,253 - $16,338 |
Landscaping Design | $1,844 - $2,458 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $409 - $2,456 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,637 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $358 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,104 - $81,852 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Sugar Land
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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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