What’s the Difference Between Lawn Care and Landscaping?

You look outside and notice your beloved yard looks overgrown and the trees are unruly, but you don’t have the time to make it look better. So you call a landscaper, right? Well, maybe not so fast. Some companies specialize in landscaping, and others specialize in lawn care. These businesses provide two different approaches to beautifying your outside area, so it’s important to know the difference. 

To put it simply, a lawn care business will tidy and maintain your lawn and garden, while a landscaping company can transform its look and feel through planning, design, and building. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between lawn care and landscaping so you can get the right services for your home.  

What is Lawn Care?

Lawn care involves taking care of an established lawn and garden, usually on a regular basis to keep the grass and shrubs trimmed. Most lawn care businesses specialize in routine maintenance work that ensures your lawn and garden always look their best. This can include services such as: 

• Mowing and fertilizing the grass 
• Weeding 
• Mulching garden beds and around plants 

• Trimming trees and shrubs 
• Fertilizing plants 
• General clean and tidy up jobs 
• Pruning trees 

When you first engage a lawn care company, they will usually visit and assess what your lawn and garden require and give you an estimate of the cost. The cost will vary, depending on what needs to be done and how frequently you want them to perform the work. 

Lawn care companies will bring their own tools and equipment, such as lawnmowers, edge trimmers or brush cutters, and branch clippers. If they need to use your equipment, such as a garden hose or irrigation system for watering, they will let you know. How long they take to complete the job will depend on what they are required to do. However, most companies are efficient and speedy, leaving you time to appreciate your attractive and tidy yard.  

What is Landscaping?

A company specializing in landscaping services will plan, design, and create (or build) your outdoor space according to your tastes, budget, and vision for the area. These professionals are often called landscapers, landscape designers, or landscape architects. 

When You Should Use a Landscaper

There are instances when you need to use a landscaping service rather than a lawn care company. For example, if your outside area is completely unestablished and you want it to look lush and attractive, or if it is established, but you want the site to be transformed in some way. Landscaping can convert an unattractive or bland-looking area into a space you want to spend time in, adding enormous value to your property. 

They will use their own tools, as will any contractors they engage to help do your work. Tools and equipment they may bring to your property include brush cutters, excavators, jackhammers, and whatever they deem necessary to complete the job. The cost of hiring a landscaper will usually be significantly higher than the cost of a lawn care company. Always ask your landscaper for a detailed quote prior to starting the job. The length of time a landscaper takes to complete your outdoor area will depend on the work required. However, it will usually take significantly longer than jobs that require a lawn care company, because structural changes are often part of the requirement. Ask them to provide you with a time estimate when they quote you the cost.  

Landscaping services are experts in managing landscaping projects — from design through to completion. They specialize in making structural changes to enhance the look and feel of outdoor spaces. Here are some of the areas landscaping companies can help you with.  

Planning and Design

Landscape professionals have the qualifications and skills to assess your outdoor area and provide practical design ideas according to your requirements. They work with you to plan out the project and bring your outdoor space to life. 

Terrain Changes 

Landscapers will work with the terrain (or land) and change it to produce a particular result. For instance, if your yard is on a slope and you require an outdoor entertaining area with a pergola and plants, they will dig into the land to create a flat space. 

Plants

There is an art and science to choosing the right plants for an area. Landscapers have the knowledge and experience to select the best plants for your needs and budget, with consideration of your capacity for their maintenance. They’ll also choose plants that will do well in your local area and that will coordinate well with your outdoor space. 

Structures

Landscapers often design and build outdoor structures, such as pergolas, fencing, patios, garden sheds, pools, spas, and barbecue areas. They may consider furniture, color choices, and shade requirements in their design and build. 

Wrapping Up

Knowing the differences between lawn care and landscaping companies will help you choose the correct professional service to improve your yard and get the look you want. Once you learn which service you need, be sure to do your research and choose a professional with a great reputation and reviews.  

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