DIY Landscaping vs. Professional Landscaping Services

Landscaping projects are essential to creating the overall ambience of any outdoor space. Constructed correctly, they have a major impact on the value of property overall, whether that is in a rural or an inner-city area. This article will help compare plant hire for DIY landscaping vs professional landscaping services, and what role plant hire plays for both parties.  

If you are on the fence about going it solo, or with professional help, then this be a great place to start. Plant hire plays a massive role in modern landscaping and can benefit both novice and professional users. Let’s look closer at the pros and cons of plant hire for both users to start.

Plant Hire in DIY Landscaping vs. Professional Landscaping: Pros and Cons

The use of plant machinery in landscaping projects is usually essential to completing the task in a timely and safe manner. To get a better understanding of its value, we have put together the pros and cons for both DIY and professional users.

Pros for DIY Landscaping

Cheaper than purchasing- hiring plant machinery is far less cheap than purchasing the machinery outright. For DIYers, purchasing a piece of plant machinery would be pointless if it was only going to be used for one task.

Pay for what you use – Unlike purchasing a machine outright for a single project, you can pay a small fee to rent the machinery.

Support- If anything goes wrong during the time you have the machinery, you can get help from your service provider. It is covered in your cost!

Delivery assistance – Most DIYers won’t have experience in transporting large plant machinery. Therefore, your provider can ease your worries by delivering the equipment for you.

Faster than by hand – Even for a novice DIYer, using plant hire machinery for a landscaping project will be far more efficient than by hand.

Cons for DIY Landscaping

Additional expense – Using plant hire for these types of projects is an additional expense. Mini diggers can start from £75.00 VAT per day. It is best to prepare everything you can before using any plant machinery on your landscaping project. The more efficient you are with the machinery, the less you will pay.

Waiting on others to start – Another con to address is the dependability on suppliers. Some find that waiting for others to start work can be unproductive and costly. Choosing the right plant hire specialist for DIY projects is essential to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Paying security deposits- The final con that some may be deferred by is the use of security deposits. All non-account customers (normally DIYers) generally must pay a security deposit for the machinery. This is then returned by the supplier when your rental has finished. The security deposits are machine-specific and are determined by machine value.

Pros for professional landscapers

Better cash flow – Hiring plant-hire machinery for professional landscapers is an ideal way to take control of your cash flow. All rentals can be charged to specific jobs and require no initial investment, unlike purchasing.

Pay monthly on a credit account – Unlike DIYers, professional trade persons can open a credit account with plant hire suppliers. These accounts allow you to order machinery freely and balances are settled every 30 days. Credit accounts must be applied for, and suppliers will conduct a series of financial checks before offering this service. 

Delivery – Similar to DIYer the delivery of your landscaping machinery can all be taken care of by your provider. Therefore, you will not have to invest in additional equipment to move machinery around from project to project.

Faster completion times – Choosing to rent plant equipment for a professional landscaping service will aid in completion times. Resulting in businesses getting their invoices submitted and paid quickly.

Machinery quality – Machinery quality in the industry varies to supplier. However, there are plenty of rental companies out there that invest in world-leading brands of equipment. If you are ever unsure, always speak directly to your supplier. For the best results, take your time to vet your potential plant hire suppliers.

Cons for professional landscapers

Not a business asset – Businesses that use plant hire machinery almost every day may argue to purchase your equipment. This is because it will become an asset to the business. Always seek financial advice when investing a huge amount of money.

Less freedom – Additionally, there is an argument that there is less freedom as you are not dependent on waiting on your supplier. Bought machinery can be used 24/7 and its location is determined by the owner, no one else.

How it looks – The business appearance is something that many professional landscaping businesses take into consideration. There is a fair argument that having your own equipment “looks” more professional and is a sign of being successful. However, bear in mind, this can also work the opposite way…

Despite all their pros and cons, hiring plant machinery for a DIY or professional outfit will work for most. For more information on comparing buying vs. hiring in the construction industry, check out this resource.

The Role of Plant Hire in Professional Landscaping Service

Understanding the role of plant hire in a professional landscaping service is important when budgeting for a project of any size. Plant hire is a service and therefore a “cost”. The overall cost is determined by the value of the machinery and the duration it is required. Knowing this cost is extremely beneficial when budgeting or quoting.

Plant hire can work for any size of landscaping service no matter their needs and requirements. Finding the right supplier that will suit all your needs may take time. If this is something you are considering, then check out this free guide to help you do so.

Equipment rental plays a massive part in the vast number of professional landscaping outfits across the UK. Nevertheless, it is worth noting the difference between the types of plant hire that are available for professional landscaping.

Operated plant hire for professional landscaping

This type of equipment hire includes machinery and a professional operator. The key elements you need to be aware of in this instance are:

Hire includes equipment, operators’ wages, fuel for the machine and transport.

Of the two types of landscaping machinery hire available, this method is the more expensive per day. However, there are some very legitimate financial reasons why some professional landscaping businesses may favour this option. Especially if you require a qualified operator to meet regulations or lack experience.

Non-operated plant hire for professional landscaping

The second option is called non-operated plant hire. This process is the cheaper of the two and includes the following elements:

Machinery, fuel and transport (if required).

The key reason for the drastic cost difference between the two is the operator’s wages. If you intend to choose a non-operated plant hire, always take time to familiarise yourself with the controls before starting detailed work. Most plant hire suppliers will offer a demonstration of the machinery when it arrives. Unless you are familiar with the specific machine, this is always worth using.

Some suppliers are now offering alternative ways to source information if you ever get stuck with your machinery. As an example: WHC Hire Services offers free online tutorials available to all its clients directly on their website. Click here to see how these resources can help.

Overall, plant hire plays quite a large part in the role of professional landscaping. Whether either party chooses operated or non-operated plant hire, each method will aid in the completion of the landscaping task in good time. Plant equipment can come in a vast range of sizes to cater for the landscaping project you are working on. Be that building a new paving area, driveways, garden design etc.

What’s Best for Your Landscape Project?

Choosing the best plant hire for your landscape project is essential to getting the job done. Incorrect or insufficient equipment will have costly consequences, inevitably leading to delays and unwanted stress.

Therefore, to help you choose the right plant hire for your landscape project there are a few key things you will need to know.

• What tasks are involved in the project?
• What equipment will you need if unforeseen problems occur?
• When do you need the equipment?
• What size area are you working with? Access and exit points?
• Do you need training to complete the tasks?
• What is your time limit?

Preparing yourself is key because once you start, there isn’t much chance of going back. Sticking to your schedule also allows you to manage your landscaping project more effectively. Never forget to check the weather as this can also have a massive impact, depending on the time of year.

Let’s now have a closer look at some of the points we have highlighted to aid in your selection of plant hire.

What tasks are involved?

Being aware of all the tasks that are involved during the project will allow you to select what and when you may need a specific piece of equipment. This will save you time and money which is essential when hiring equipment. It is best to plan equipment for each day accordingly.

What equipment will you need if unforeseen problems occur?

Being prepared is key. Even if that means for problems that could incur. It is important to understand potential risks and have access to the correct equipment if something is to go wrong. The last thing you want is to have to search for a different supplier when problems arise. Ensure your plant hire supplier or network of suppliers has you covered.

When do you need the equipment?

Knowing when you need your machinery is important to plan your landscaping project. Work closely with your supplier to secure delivery and equipment availability. The last thing you want is to be unable to complete the last because you are ill-prepared.

What size area are you working with? Access and exit points?

One key factor you will need to know is the dimensions and access points of your working area. By far, this is one of the most overlooked factors made by many professional and DIY operators. These dimensions determine the size of machinery you can use on your project. Failure to do so will lead in costly delays in either replacing the equipment to fit.

Or, on the other hand, slower completion times for inadequate equipment.

Do you need training to complete the tasks?

Whether you are a professional operator or DIY user, you should always undergo so type of training for your own safety. Some commercial landscaping sites will require you to produce valid NPORS or CSCS cards to work on their sites. This is not a legal requirement, however could be important to bear in mind for professional outfits. For more information on this check out this resource, “The Importance of NPORS and CSCS in the Construction Industry”

What is your time limit?

No matter if it’s for pleasure or business, your time is valuable and sticking to your initial plan is key to avoiding getting stuck. Ensure when you plan, you cater for anomalies. It is always better to over budget than under. Especially when a landscaping project involves plant hire machinery.

Where to get plant hire machinery for a DIY vs Professional Landscaping project

WHC Hire Services has been supplying a vast range of world-leading equipment for landscaping projects for over 25 years. With a huge fleet of earthmoving, gardening and landscaping equipment, you can find the right equipment to get the job done, all under one roof. With 3 depots across the UK our equipment can be collected or delivered to your doorstep.

See our full online catalogue of equipment here, or give us a call on 01684377977