DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills 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 The Colony Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the The Colony 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 contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative 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 unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are 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
Sustainability practices will include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. 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 about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in The Colony
Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in The Colony, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down 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 The Colony
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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