Deciding When to Hire a Landscaping Contractor Versus Doing It Yourself
Understanding when to hire a landscaping contractor and when to tackle landscape work on your own can be tricky. For some homeowners, landscaping seems straightforward: buy a few plants, place them in the ground, and water them. For others, the idea of gardening or landscaping can feel overwhelming, and they may not know where to start.
In reality, the best approach often lies somewhere in between. In many cases, you can manage the work on your own or with help from friends and family. However, there are instances where hiring a professional is the smarter choice.
Here’s a guide to help you decide when to go the DIY route and when to seek professional assistance.
DIY Landscaping Projects
There are several landscaping tasks that you can handle yourself, even if you're not very experienced. While hiring a professional is always an option, doing the work yourself can be rewarding and help you connect with your outdoor space.
Basic Cleanup Before starting any major landscaping project, you typically need to clean up your property, which is something you can easily do on your own. Tasks like raking leaves, pulling weeds, removing debris, and clearing large stones are straightforward and provide a good starting point for your landscaping efforts.
Just be cautious of plants like poison oak, as dealing with a rash is an unpleasant way to begin a landscaping project.
Simple Tree and Shrub Planting If you want to add a few trees or shrubs to your yard, you might be able to handle it yourself. Ensure that the plants you choose are appropriate for your climate by consulting resources like the USDA Plant Hardiness Map.
Consider the size of the plants, as larger trees and shrubs have more complex root systems that require more preparation and effort to plant. These plants are also more expensive, so it's crucial to plant them correctly. If you're unsure, it might be wise to hire a professional.
Planting Bulbs and Flowers Planting bulbs and flowers is another suitable project for a DIY approach. Bulbs are generally easy to plant and can add vibrant colors to your garden for years. Similarly, preparing soil and sowing flower seeds can usually be done without professional help, offering a fun way to experiment with different plants in your garden.
Projects Best Left to a Landscaping Contractor
Even with your best efforts, some projects are better suited for a professional landscaper. This doesn't mean you lack the skills, but certain tasks require specialized equipment or expertise, especially when dealing with significant excavations or high-value materials.
Working With Uneven Terrain Landscaping on sloped or uneven ground, such as terracing a garden, can be challenging. Proper excavation on a hillside often requires machinery and expertise to prevent issues like erosion or structural damage. In these cases, it's safer to hire a professional.
Building Complex Plant Beds While creating a small flower bed or container garden is manageable, larger, more intricate planting areas designed to include a variety of plants are best handled by a professional. Landscapers can plan for the long-term, ensuring that plants complement each other and have the space they need to grow.
Landscaping Near Buildings Extra caution is necessary when landscaping near structures. The location of foundations may not be obvious, and you might not foresee how a plant could eventually damage the building. To avoid these risks, it's advisable to hire a professional who can safely and effectively enhance the area around structures.
Contact a Palos Verdes Estates-Based Landscaping Contractor
If you're planning a significant landscaping project, consulting with a professional landscaping contractor can be beneficial. For personalized advice and professional landscaping services, contact Rosewood Landscape to discuss your project and learn how they can assist you.