Maintenance Cost vs DIY: When to Hire Professionals
Keeping your garden looking its best takes time, effort and money. As homeowners, we all ask ourselves at some point: should I take care of this job myself, or bring in a professional landscaper? While DIY can sometimes feel cheaper and more satisfying, there are jobs that require specialist knowledge, equipment, and a significant time commitment. Knowing where to draw the line helps you enjoy your garden without unnecessary stress or expense.
Everyday Jobs You Can Manage Yourself
There are plenty of garden tasks that are easy to handle and even enjoyable if you’ve got the time:
- Lawn mowing and edging – with a decent mower and a regular routine, you can keep your lawn looking tidy.
- Basic pruning and hedge trimming – smaller shrubs and hedges are manageable with the right tools.
- Seasonal planting – refreshing pots or swapping out flowers is a great DIY job.
- Weeding and mulching – perfect for a weekend job that also protects your soil and plants.
- General clean-ups – sweeping paths, clearing leaves and keeping things neat.
If you’d like inspiration for simple gardens that don’t need too much upkeep, take a look at our Low Maintenance Gardens for ideas.
When It’s Best to Call in the Experts
Some projects aren’t worth the risk of doing yourself. That’s where we come in.
- Tree work and large pruning – tall or mature trees can be dangerous to handle without specialist tools.
- Irrigation and reticulation – getting water systems right is crucial in Perth’s climate, and mistakes can be costly.
- Paving, decking and hardscaping – these add real value but need professional installation to avoid issues like poor drainage or uneven surfaces. Check our Functional Outdoor Spaces to see how these upgrades improve usability and add long-term value.
- Estate landscaping – larger properties need professional planning and execution. Our Estate Landscaping Packages show what’s possible.
- Soil and turf preparation – a job that makes or breaks the health of your lawn.
- Garden redesigns – major upgrades work best with a proper plan to keep everything cohesive.
By trusting us with these bigger jobs, you’ll avoid expensive mistakes and have peace of mind knowing everything is done to a high standard.
The Real Cost of DIY vs Hiring
It’s easy to think DIY is always cheaper, but once you add up the cost of tools, materials, equipment hire and your time, the savings often aren’t as big as they seem. More importantly, mistakes can end up costing more to fix.
We’ve seen it many times: pavers laid without proper preparation become uneven, or irrigation systems installed incorrectly waste water and damage plants. When we do the work, we bring experience, professional equipment and warranties, so you know it’s done properly the first time.
Finding the Right Balance
Our advice? Split your garden care into two parts:
- DIY jobs: smaller, everyday tasks that are safe and satisfying to do yourself.
- Professional jobs: bigger or more technical projects that need specialist skills.
That way, you can still enjoy the hands-on satisfaction of gardening while letting us handle the jobs that need expertise.
Ongoing Maintenance Support
Not every homeowner has the time or interest to keep up with garden care. That’s why we also offer tailored maintenance packages to suit your property and lifestyle. From quarterly visits to seasonal lawn care and annual makeovers, we can put together a plan that keeps your garden looking great year-round.
Your garden is a place to relax, entertain and enjoy — not a source of stress. By deciding which jobs you want to tackle yourself and which ones to leave to us, you’ll save both time and money while keeping your outdoor spaces in top condition.
At LHP Landscaping, we’re here to take the pressure off. Whether it’s regular maintenance or a major landscaping project, we can help you get the most out of your outdoor space. Get in touch today to find out how we can make your garden work for you.