Get matched with top landscapers in Lufkin, TX

You should exercise care when deciding how to landscape over a leach field for your septic system. You typically want lightweight materials that won’t damage the drain field’s perforated pipes. When adding plants to the area, select plants with shallow roots, such as grass or flower gardens. Trees with deep roots could damage the pipes in the field.

The average cost for landscaping is around $3,500, but prices can range from as low as $200 for simple DIY projects to $14,000 or more for extensive work. Several factors influence the final price, including your geographic location, yard size, project scope, chosen materials, site preparation, and the type of landscaping involved. Professional landscaper labor costs typically range from $50 to $100 per hour.

For a smaller budget, you can focus on softscaping projects like adding mulch, flowers, and shrubs, which might only cost a few hundred dollars if you do the work yourself. A budget of around $5,000 could cover projects like a simple patio, new plants and tree trimming, or a water feature. More extensive hardscaping projects, such as pergolas, patios, and walkways, can push the budget to $14,000 or more. For example, a flower bed installation averages between $800 and $3,000, while landscape lighting installation can cost from $2,000 to $6,000.

There are two main times of year to apply mulch: mid to late spring and late fall. Spreading mulch in mid to late spring helps protect new seedlings as the soil warms up. It's best to wait until temperatures are steady, as mulching too early in the spring can slow down the soil's warming process and hinder plant growth. Fall mulching is also beneficial, as it insulates the soil and helps regulate its temperature when the first frosts arrive.

The best time to plant a privet hedge is autumn, ideally October or early November. Fall is the best time to plant privet hedges because young plants need plenty of water to jump-start their growth, and it typically rains more during this season. However, you can also successfully plant privets in the spring.