source: Flickr: Gregs Landscaping

Who else loves green lawns and lovely gardens? Whether you live in a hot, humid climate like Miami, or a cool, dry, cool climate like San Francisco, it’s great to relax outdoors under the shade of trees, listening to the chirping of birds. However, to maintain an enjoyable, attractive property, you may need the help of professionals.

What Will a Landscaping Service Do?

Beyond mowing the lawn and raking leaves, a landscaping service will trim shrubs, create appealing walkways and plant a healthy garden. Your yard might require soil amendment, weed removal and insecticide treatments, all of which can be provided by a landscaper. You can hire a landscaping service for a one-time lawn treatment or have them come on a regular or seasonal basis to maintain your yard.

How Much Will it Cost?

Not all properties require the same treatment and not all homeowners are looking for the same level of lawn care. If all you need is someone to cut your lawn, rake leaves, and clear debris off your property, your best bet might be to do it yourself or hire a teenager from the neighborhood. However, if you require more than that, you should look at a professional landscaping service. The price depends on the size and layout of your yard, tasks required, and the types of plants you want installed.

Ways to Save Money

If you have the time and are willing to put in the effort, you can save money on landscaping costs by purchasing and installing some plants and flowers on your own.

Additionally, you can improve your soil by adding compost or fertilizer, which will prevent the need to replace your soil.

Contact your local municipality and see if they offer any free trees. Some cities do, so be sure to look into it.

Another way to save money is to minimize long-term maintenance fees. The easiest way to do this is to select plants and trees that require minimal watering and can thrive in drought-like conditions. This will save you money on your utility bills and leave you assured your plants will survive if you forget to water them or go away on vacation.

Tips

If you wish to improve your yard and keep it looking healthy and vibrant, contact a professional landscaper. This is especially true if your yard is in need of a total makeover and/or changes to the layout of the land. If you do decide to do some of the work on your own, be sure to plant trees at least 10 feet away from driveways and sidewalks so the roots won't damage your concrete.

Even if you prefer to take care of your own garden as a general rule, consider hiring a landscaping service to upgrade the yard when you put your house on the market. Just a few hours of professional care will add immensely to your property's outdoor curb appeal.

You may want to consider hiring an electrician to install lights around your yard. This will make the outdoor part of your home more pleasant, secure and safe. In addition, you can have electrical outlets installed for when you have picnics or other events and you want to play music or plug in other electronic devices.

Your yard is an important part of your home. Proper maintenance and investment into the landscape can make a big difference, so don’t take it for granted.

Updated August 6, 2018.