Houston Landscape Services

We want to hire a Houston landscape service company, like Exterior Worlds. How do we begin the process?
As a premier Houston landscape services company, Exterior Worlds provides a full range of services including consultation, design services, installation and ongoing maintenance. If you are interested in any of these landscape services, Exterior Worlds of Houston has more than 20 years of experience providing these services to the greater Houston area.

In general, Houston landscape service companies specialize in one or more areas while subcontracting out other landscape elements such as irrigation systems, drainage systems, patio design and deck design, luxury swimming pools, outdoor water fountains, garden structures, and landscape lighting. In choosing a Houston landscape service firm, you need a high degree of good understanding, two-way communication and comfort level with them.

When beginning a new landscape design, you start with an initial discovery meeting. Here you discuss overall intent, landscape elements, permitting issues, design approach and aesthetic. The next step usually includes landscape designs, planting plans and budget considerations.

In providing landscape services, Exterior Worlds works diligently and patiently to help you determine the scope of your project, the project phasing, scheduling, coordination, selection of all materials and final budget.

What happens during the installation phase?
During the installation phase, the landscape service provider usually includes all plant material, hardscape, irrigation, drainage and lighting installation in their contract. In a typical project, the landscape irrigation and lighting contractors start first, followed by the installation of other hardscapes. Then comes the planting of all shrubs, groundcover and seasonal color. The irrigation and lighting contractors return for adjustments. Final mulch and cleanup commence, and then the installation is complete.

Tree preservation is critical during construction. Preconstruction activities may include protective tree fencing, temporary drainage, borer applications on sensitive trees, and elevated walks to protect tree roots. A change in grade impacts mature trees, so make sure your landscape service provider is well versed in this expertise.

As mentioned earlier, many landscape service companies act as the general contractor and oversee the entire installation. The fee for these services is usually charged as a percentage of the total project’s cost. While some homeowners want to act as general contractor to save money, our experience tells us that it can lead to real problems. Confusion results from misunderstandings of trade terminology, scheduling and coordination, unique requirements due to selection of materials, installation techniques, material availability and construction methods employed.

What can we expect regarding ongoing maintenance?
To insure that your landscape investment develops into a mature and beautiful outdoor environment, you want a landscape service firm that also handles maintenance. Exterior World’s maintenance contracts include mowing of all lawn areas, proper trimming of plant material, and a chemical program to insure plant health. The feeding program may also include spring and fall aeration of lawn areas with the application of fall rye grass. Regular inspection and diagnosis of plant pests and diseases are the last part of a proactive maintenance program. We also provide continual inspection of the irrigation controller, heads, and seasonal watering times since water management is the foundation of plant health.