Deciding between DIY and professional landscaping can make or break your outdoor transformation dreams – and your budget
When you look out at your yard and envision the perfect outdoor space, the first question that comes to mind is often: should I tackle this myself or call in the experts? It’s a decision that countless homeowners face, weighing the satisfaction of DIY accomplishment against the expertise and efficiency of professional landscapers.
When DIY Landscaping Makes Sense
Some tasks, like planting flowers or spreading mulch, are fairly straightforward to do. These are great weekend projects for the casual DIY landscaper or gardener. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you can save a lot by DIYing your landscaping. Projects like adding plants to an existing landscape, laying sod, or building a fire pit are easy to tackle on your own.
DIY landscaping is ideal for:
- Simple garden bed installations
- Mulching and basic plant care
- Seasonal flower planting
- Basic lawn maintenance
- Small decorative projects
DIY landscaping can save money on landscaping by cutting out labor costs, typically ranging from $50 to $100 per hour for professional services. For the necessary equipment for basic yard maintenance, you would pay a one-time cost of about $586.
When to Call Professional Landscapers
That is why many opt to hire professional landscapers when undertaking large scale upgrades or major garden renovation projects. Of course, a professional can help you tackle most any outdoor project on your list, but here are five projects you should never try to DIY.
Professional landscaping is essential for:
- Tree Care – Tree care is another task best left to the pros. Recognizing safety hazards, pruning, and diagnosing and treating tree disease are not trial and error tasks.
- Hardscaping – The first part of the term “hardscaping” aptly describes the heavy labor and technical skill required for installing pavers, retaining walls, patios and the like. It is hard work!
- Plant Selection – Many novice gardeners select plants based on color or aesthetic appeal instead of what works well in a specific location. Placing the wrong plants in the wrong location can be a costly process of trial and error.
- Complex irrigation systems and drainage solutions
- Structural work requiring permits
The Cost Reality: DIY vs Professional
Depending on the size and scope of the project, you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $20,317 for a professionally designed and installed landscape. The national average cost of landscaping across large and small projects is about $12,825.
However, consider the project complexity; mistakes can lead to higher costs and extended timelines. DIY landscaping opens the door to unexpected events, mistakes and more. This can be more costly down the road, as you’ll be left having to do it all over again.
Safety and Expertise Considerations
At another level, professional landscaping should also be considered in terms of health and safety for you and your family. Landscaping involves heavy lifting, digging, and other physical labor that could put strain on both yourself and those with physical limitations or health concerns – it’s best to entrust this work to experts to avoid potential injuries and save yourself from physical strain.
Professional landscapers will have extensive knowledge of local regulations, zoning restrictions and environmental considerations that will allow you to create an appealing yet functional yard that not only increases home value but also helps protect the environment.
Finding the Right Professional Help
When you’re ready to search for landscapers near me, it’s important to choose a company that understands your local area’s unique challenges and opportunities.
V. Serrano’s Landscaping, serving Delaware County, Pennsylvania, exemplifies what to look for in a professional landscaping company. Our team combines skilled craftsmanship with top-tier customer service to make your landscaping vision a reality. From small residential yards to large commercial properties, we treat every project with care and precision.
Our team understands local soil conditions, climate challenges, and what actually works long-term in Pennsylvania. Projects are planned with realistic maintenance requirements in mind, so you’re not stuck with high-maintenance features that become problems later.
Making the Right Decision for Your Property
Depending on your landscaping project, you can take it on yourself, but a professional landscaper can be an ideal choice for bigger projects or for DIY-ers who are less confident. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether DIY landscaping or hiring a professional landscaper is the best option for your needs. You should consider the cost, time commitment, effort needed, and desired results before deciding.
Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Your skill level and available time
- Project complexity and safety requirements
- Long-term maintenance needs
- Local regulations and permit requirements
- Your budget for both initial costs and potential mistakes
As a standard rule of thumb, the total front yard and backyard landscaping cost should be about 10% of the value of your home. So, if you live in a $250,000 house, a reasonable landscaping budget for you would be around $25,000.
Remember, installing professional landscaping can increase the value of your home by 7% on average. Whether you choose the DIY route for simple projects or hire professionals for complex transformations, the key is making informed decisions that match your skills, timeline, and budget while creating the outdoor space you’ve always wanted.