Learning Center/Buying Guide
Buying Guide 5 min read

Published February 18, 2025

Is Professional Landscaping Right for You?

Not everyone needs a professional landscaper. Here's an honest look at who we serve well—and who might be better off going a different route.

We could tell everyone "yes, you need us!" but that wouldn't be honest—and it wouldn't serve you well. The truth is, professional landscaping is a significant investment that makes sense for some situations and not others.

We'd rather tell you upfront if we're not the right fit than have you frustrated later. Here's how to know.

Quick Fit Check

Your Project

Budget $15,000+?

(Our typical project range)

↓ No

Consider:

DIY + Our Nursery

or Handyman

↓ Yes

Structural work?

(walls, patios, drainage)

Want one team to handle everything?

↓ No

Self-manage

multiple contractors

↓ Yes

Great Fit! ✓

Let's talk →

We're Probably a Good Fit If...

You want a calm, guided experience

You'd rather have one trusted team handle everything—design, permits, coordination, and execution—than manage multiple contractors yourself.

You value quality over lowest price

You understand that quality materials, proper engineering, and experienced labor cost more than the cheapest bid—and you're okay with that because you want it done right.

You're investing $15,000+

Our minimum project size is $5,000, and most projects fall in the $15,000-$50,000+ range. If your budget is significantly lower, there may be better options for you.

You want lasting results

You're thinking 15-20+ years, not 3-5. You want proper drainage, quality materials, and installation that won't fail after a few Pacific NW winters.

Your project involves structural work

Retaining walls, significant grading, drainage systems, large patios—these require expertise and equipment that DIY or handyman approaches can't match safely.

You don't have time to manage it yourself

Coordinating excavators, material deliveries, multiple trades, and quality control is a job in itself. We handle all of that so you don't have to.

We're Probably Not the Fit If...

You're shopping for the lowest price only

If your primary criterion is finding the cheapest bid, we're probably not it. We compete on quality, communication, and results—not price.

You want a 'fast install' without planning

Rushing into work without clear scope leads to change orders, mistakes, and disappointment. We take time to do it right from the start.

Your budget is under $5,000

Our minimum project size is $5,000. For smaller projects, a handyman or DIY approach may serve you better.

You prefer to manage multiple trades yourself

Some homeowners enjoy coordinating contractors. If that's you, you might save money hiring specialists directly—though it takes more time and carries more risk.

You want basic lawn care or maintenance

We don't offer ongoing maintenance services. We focus on design and installation. For mowing, pruning, and upkeep, you'll need a maintenance company.

You just need a few plants installed

Our nursery team doesn't offer planting services for individual purchases. If you just need a few plants put in the ground, a handyman or DIY is the way to go.

If We're Not the Fit, Here Are Alternatives

Just because professional landscaping isn't right for your situation doesn't mean we can't help at all. Here are some alternatives:

Budget under $5,000

Consider DIY with plants from our nursery (we'll advise on what to buy), or hire a handyman for basic installations.

Just need plants installed

Buy from our nursery and either plant yourself (we'll teach you how) or hire a local handyman.

Need ongoing maintenance

We can recommend local maintenance companies who do quality work.

Want to DIY but need guidance

Visit our nursery—we're happy to spend time advising on plant selection, soil prep, and installation tips.

Typical Investment Ranges

To give you a realistic sense of whether our services align with your budget:

Yard Refresh

Curb appeal, defined beds, modest improvements

$15,000–$20,000

Transformation

Patio, retaining wall, drainage, irrigation

$30,000–$50,000

Comprehensive

Major structural work, full yard renovation

$50,000–$100,000+

The Bottom Line

Professional landscaping makes sense when you want:

  • A calm, guided experience with one team handling everything
  • Quality materials, proper engineering, and lasting results
  • Clear communication and no surprise costs

If that sounds like what you're looking for and the investment ranges feel reasonable, we'd love to talk. If not, we hope this guide helped point you in the right direction.

"We aren't salespeople. We're kind, courteous, plant-lovers who don't play any pricing games. Rain or shine, no matter the season, you can depend on Todd's Nursery to work within your budget and schedule."

Still not sure? Give us a call or schedule a Discovery Call. We're happy to chat and help you figure out the best path forward—even if that path doesn't include us.

Think We Might Be a Fit?

A 15-minute Discovery Call costs nothing and helps us both figure out if it makes sense to work together.