If you’re considering a landscaping project for your yard, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a professional landscaping service. The answer depends on a number of factors, including your experience and the size of the project.

While many people opt for a DIY approach to landscaping, there are benefits to hiring a landscaper. Design, drainage and pest control, for example, are things that a professional landscaper is trained to address. And while it’s possible to save money by doing the job yourself, working with a professional can save you time, money and aggravation over the long run.

Do-it-Yourself Vs. Professional Landscaping

If you’re debating between hiring a professional or doing the work yourself, there are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide:

• Have I done a landscaping project before? If not, you may consider getting a landscaper’s advice for at least some aspects of your project.
• How big is my project? It is generally easier to tackle a small landscaping project on your own than a big one. If your yard is large, or you want to add complicated elements (a pool or deck, for example) you may want to work with a landscaper.
• How much time am I able to commit to the project? Landscaping can be both time and labor intensive. If you don’t think you’ll be able to complete a project in a reasonable amount of time, consider hiring a landscaper.
• How much money do I want to spend? Hiring a landscaper can be expensive, and you may want to try to save money by taking on the project yourself. But there’s also a chance that you could make a costly mistake that will require a complete overhaul of your yard or garden.

Landscapers can advise you on a wide variety of issues and will have specialized knowledge they can use to help make your project a success.

How to Choose a Landscaper

It’s important to make an informed decision when choosing a landscaper. The wrong contractor can end up costing you a significant amount of money, in addition to creating stress and frustration.

Questions to ask include:

• Is the individual or company licensed? Qualified landscapers are usually licensed. They may also be members of a professional association.
• What services do they provide? You may want to work with a landscaper who offers a comprehensive package of services (such as planning, maintenance and installation) so that you don’t have to work with multiple contractors.
• Is the cost reasonable and within your budget? It’s possible to find a competitively priced professional landscaping service, but you may need to do research to find one that fits your needs.
• What does their past work look like? Research past jobs in your price range. Were the results satisfactory?
• Do they have recommendations from previous clients? Ask the landscaper for testimonials from previous clients. You can also ask your friends and neighbors for landscaper recommendations.