Posted on July 17th, 2025

Landscaping your outdoor space brings the opportunity to shape a yard that reflects your taste, needs, and budget—but the first step is deciding how you want to get the job done. Some homeowners prefer the hands-on satisfaction of tackling projects themselves, enjoying the creative freedom and flexibility of DIY landscaping. Others opt for the speed, precision, and technical expertise that come with hiring professionals. 

Understanding the Landscape: DIY and Professional Approaches

When considering how to approach your outdoor space, many homeowners weigh the benefits of tackling landscaping projects themselves versus hiring a professional. DIY landscaping gives you the chance to work at your own pace, customize ideas based on personal preference, and enjoy a hands-on relationship with your property. It can be a relaxing way to spend time outdoors, and it's often more affordable upfront. With plenty of tutorials, online forums, and how-to books, getting started doesn’t require formal training. 

On the other hand, professional landscaping offers structure, precision, and faster timelines—ideal for those with limited time or larger project scopes. Professionals come with technical knowledge about soil types, drainage, plant selection, and material durability. They can complete more advanced work like building patios, installing irrigation systems, or creating outdoor kitchens. Though hiring help comes at a higher cost, the work is often done more efficiently and to a high standard.

Weighing the Costs: Financial Perspectives of Landscaping

Making a smart financial decision often starts with learning how different landscaping methods affect your budget. While DIY landscaping projects are usually more affordable up front, that doesn’t always mean they’re the lowest-cost option in the long run. Here are important cost-related factors to consider when comparing both approaches:

• Material expenses: DIY allows you to control your material costs, often by buying in bulk or selecting budget-friendly options. However, unexpected repairs or replacements can add up quickly.

• Tool investment: You might need to purchase tools like shovels, pruners, or a lawn roller—items that professionals already have and use efficiently.

• Time value: DIY projects require a time commitment. Time spent researching, shopping, and executing is a valuable investment that’s easy to overlook when calculating project costs.

• Error correction: Mistakes in DIY projects can be costly. Over-watering plants, poor grading, or incorrect plant placement may lead to extra spending down the road.

• Long-term savings with professionals: Hiring experienced landscapers can help you avoid common errors. Their choices in irrigation systems, plant selection, and materials often lead to lower water bills and maintenance needs.

• Bulk discounts: Professionals often access discounted rates on materials and plants through industry suppliers, which can help offset part of the labor cost.

Cost isn’t just about how much you spend today—it’s about how that investment performs over time. While DIY can work well for smaller projects and flexible timelines, professional landscaping may deliver better long-term value, especially for complex or large-scale work.

Getting Your Hands Dirty: Tips for Successful DIY Landscaping

For homeowners who enjoy taking a hands-on approach, DIY landscaping offers a fun and practical way to improve your yard. With a bit of planning and a few reliable techniques, you can take on projects that increase both curb appeal and personal satisfaction. Below are helpful tips for making your DIY landscaping efforts more successful:

• Start small and plan smart: Begin with manageable projects like planting a flower bed or installing edging. Sketch out your ideas on paper and consider sun exposure, soil type, and water access.

• Use quality soil and compost: Healthy soil is the foundation for a strong landscape. Mixing compost or organic matter into your soil improves drainage and encourages plant growth.

• Measure twice, dig once: Before you plant or build, double-check your measurements to avoid overbuying or misplacing features like pathways or shrubs.

• Lay sod correctly: Remove existing weeds, level the soil, and apply compost before laying sod. Water it immediately and use a roller to help the roots make solid contact.

• Build a basic irrigation system: Use flexible tubing, drip emitters, and a timer to create an efficient system that waters your plants without waste.

• Choose native or climate-appropriate plants: Plants that naturally thrive in your region typically need less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.

Taking on DIY projects can be a rewarding part of homeownership. With the right tools, a clear plan, and some patience, you can tackle meaningful upgrades that increase your outdoor enjoyment while saving money.

The Professional Touch: When Hiring Experts Makes Sense

There are situations where hiring a professional makes more sense, especially when the scope of the project involves detailed work, large machinery, or safety concerns. Building retaining walls, grading uneven land, or constructing drainage systems all benefit from trained hands and advanced tools. Mistakes in these areas can lead to major issues like soil erosion, flooding, or foundation problems if not handled correctly.

Projects like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, water features, or multi-level patios often require a combination of plumbing, electrical, and masonry work. These require permits, inspections, and skilled labor. A professional team can not only complete the job faster but also make sure it meets all local building codes. They bring technical insight to the design process as well, helping you get the most function and value out of your space.

Hiring a professional doesn’t mean you give up control—it just means you’re supported by someone who knows how to execute the vision safely and efficiently. You can still select plants, materials, and features while trusting that the execution will match your expectations. When your yard requires structural integrity or a high-end finish, working with a professional can help you avoid unnecessary stress and protect your investment.

Making the Choice: Pros and Cons of Each Approach

Choosing between DIY and professional landscaping is more than a financial decision—it’s about finding the best match for your goals, availability, and confidence level. Each path has benefits and drawbacks, and your personal preferences will lead you toward the right option. Let’s break down the comparison more clearly:

• DIY Pros: Flexible scheduling, cost savings, creative freedom, and a strong sense of personal accomplishment.

• DIY Cons: Requires time, physical effort, potential for errors, and access to tools or equipment.

• Professional Pros: Expert execution, faster turnaround, tailored solutions, and access to commercial-grade materials or machinery.

• Professional Cons: Higher initial cost, less hands-on involvement, and the need to coordinate schedules with contractors.

Both methods can lead to satisfying results. DIY suits those who enjoy hands-on learning and slower-paced progress. Professional landscaping works better for larger projects or for homeowners who prefer quick, polished outcomes. Some people even mix the two approaches—handling smaller tasks themselves while bringing in help for the more technical work. That way, you get the best of both worlds while keeping control over your budget and design.

Related: How to Maintain a Beautiful Summer Lawn: Essential Tips

Conclusion

Planning your approach to landscaping means thinking about the time, effort, and experience you want to bring to your outdoor project. Once you choose to get your hands dirty or bring in expert support, there’s value in both methods. Each allows for creativity, customization, and pride in a job well done. Renovating your lawn could be one of the funniest and most rewarding projects for your home.

At Jared Next Day Landscape LLC, we’re here to help you create outdoor spaces that reflect your style, support your lifestyle, and bring long-lasting beauty to your property. Even if you’re looking for assistance with sod installation, custom hardscaping, or full landscape design, we’ll work with your goals and budget to deliver something both practical and beautiful.

To learn more or schedule your next service, reach out at [email protected] or call (202) 257-6940. Let your outdoor space be a reflection of your creativity, your needs, and your love for the outdoors—all supported by a team that brings it to life the next day.