Can the same company do my landscape install and then maintain it?

Many Austin landscaping companies offer both, but it's worth confirming upfront since some install-focused crews don't run maintenance routes, and some maintenance companies subcontract larger installs.

I just need my new beds kept weeded, is that installation or maintenance?

That's maintenance. Installation refers to the initial build of the beds, planting, and hardscape; keeping it weeded and tidy afterward is ongoing maintenance work.

What if I only need a one-time cleanup, not a contract?

One-time yard cleanups exist as a service separate from both full installs and recurring contracts. Ask specifically for a one-time cleanup rather than a maintenance plan if that's all you want.

One-time landscape installation vs ongoing lawn maintenance contract

A lot of buyers land on landscaping searches without knowing which kind of company they actually need: one that designs and installs plant beds, sod, and hardscape as a project, or one that shows up weekly or biweekly to mow, edge, and maintain what's already there. These are usually different service models even when the same company offers both, and pricing, scheduling, and scope work differently for each.

Installation work is project-based: a designer or install crew comes out, plans the layout (or executes a plan you already have), and does a defined job over days or weeks, then the relationship typically ends unless you sign a separate maintenance contract. Maintenance is recurring: a crew is scheduled on a cycle to mow, edge, blow, and keep beds weeded, with the scope defined by a standing agreement rather than a one-time project.

Choose installation if you're changing the yard: new beds, sod, plantings, a redesigned layout
Choose maintenance if the yard's bones are fine and you need it kept up week to week
Some Austin companies do both and will bundle a maintenance plan after finishing an install
Ask directly whether a quote is for a one-time project or a recurring service, since some companies specialize in only one

What it costs

Installation is quoted as a project total based on materials, plant and sod quantities, and labor days. Maintenance is quoted per visit or per month based on lot size, mowing frequency, and how much bed and trim work is included. Neither should be assumed to include the other unless it's written into the agreement.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for landscape design & installation.

1. Southern Love Landscaping & Design
5.0★ · 277 reviews

94
2. Waterloo Turf Austin
5.0★ · 245 reviews

94
3. Cutters Landscaping
5.0★ · 140 reviews

93

See the full ranking → · Browse all providers

FAQ

Can the same company do my landscape install and then maintain it?: Many Austin landscaping companies offer both, but it's worth confirming upfront since some install-focused crews don't run maintenance routes, and some maintenance companies subcontract larger installs.
I just need my new beds kept weeded, is that installation or maintenance?: That's maintenance. Installation refers to the initial build of the beds, planting, and hardscape; keeping it weeded and tidy afterward is ongoing maintenance work.
What if I only need a one-time cleanup, not a contract?: One-time yard cleanups exist as a service separate from both full installs and recurring contracts. Ask specifically for a one-time cleanup rather than a maintenance plan if that's all you want.