The Pros and Cons of DIY Edging Versus Professional Landscaping
Landscaping is an important aspect of home maintenance, particularly in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your living space. Edging is one of the many techniques used in landscaping, and it goes a long way in defining the visual appeal of your garden, compound or other outdoor spaces.
There are two primary techniques involved in edging – DIY and professional edging. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each of these techniques, to give you an idea of what you’d be getting into should you decide to take on the task yourself or hire a professional landscaper.
Pros of DIY Edging
- You get to save money. Doing it yourself is always cheaper, as you don’t have to pay for professional services. This is a great advantage if you’re on a tight budget.
- It gives you a sense of accomplishment. Doing something yourself always gives you a great feeling. You’ll feel like you’ve achieved something great, and this boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
- You get to learn new skills. Edging is not rocket science, but it does require some skills and techniques. By doing it yourself, you’ll not only save money but also learn new skills that can come in handy in the future.
- You have more control over the outcome. When you hire a professional, you don’t have much control over the outcome, as they might have a different vision from yours. With DIY edging, you get to express your creativity and achieve the exact outcome you had in mind.
Cons of DIY Edging
- It takes time. DIY edging is time-consuming, and if you’re not careful, it can take a long time before you achieve the desired outcome. This is particularly the case if you have a large outdoor space to work on.
- It requires physical effort. Edging requires you to get down and dirty, and this can be quite strenuous. You’ll have to lift rocks, dig trenches, and carry pavers, which can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to manual labor.
- It might be risky. Doing it yourself can be risky, particularly if you’re not familiar with the technique. You run the risk of injuring yourself, especially if you’re handling sharp objects like pavers or stones.
- The outcome might not be as good as you hoped. This is particularly the case if you’re not familiar with the technique or if you don’t have the necessary skills or tools to achieve the desired outcome.
Pros of Professional Landscaping
- You get a professional outcome. One of the advantages of hiring a professional is that you get a professional outcome. They have the skills, experience, and tools necessary to achieve the desired outcome, and you don't have to worry about the outcome's quality.
- You save time. Professional landscaping companies have teams of experts who work together to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This means that you’ll have your edging done faster than if you were to do it yourself.
- You don’t have to do the heavy lifting. Professional landscapers have the necessary equipment to lift heavy loads, making the work less physically demanding, and reducing the risk of injury
Cons of Professional Landscaping
- It costs money. Hiring a professional landscaper can be expensive, particularly if you have a large outdoor space to work on. This can be a great disadvantage if you’re on a tight budget.
- You have less control over the outcome. When you hire a professional, you have to trust their expertise, and you don’t have much control over the outcome.
- You might have to wait for an appointment. Professional landscapers are often in high demand, and this means that you might have to wait for an appointment, which can be inconvenient.
In conclusion, both DIY edging and professional landscaping have their pros and cons. If you have the necessary skills and tools, and you want to save money, DIY edging might be suitable for you. However, if you want a professional outcome, and you don’t mind spending money, professional landscaping might be the best option. Regardless of which option you choose, the most important thing is to ensure that your edging is done correctly, as this will go a long way in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.