One of the most rewarding parts of being a homeowner is looking at your backyard and saying, “I built that.” At Venetia Landscape Supply, we love seeing our customers take on projects that add value and beauty to their homes.
However, we also know that some projects require a professional touch to ensure they stand the test of time (and our unpredictable Pennsylvania weather). How do you know when to grab your shovel and when to call in the experts? Here is our guide to the DIY vs. Pro decision.
1. Drainage Solutions
Drainage is the “invisible” hero of your landscape. If done correctly, it saves your foundation; if done poorly, it causes expensive water damage.
- DIY It If: You are installing a simple downspout extension or a small French drain in a non-critical area of your yard where water is easily diverted to an open space.
- Call a Pro If: You are dealing with water pooling near your home’s foundation, a high water table, or complex yard grading issues. Professionals use laser levels and flow calculations to ensure water moves away from your home, not toward a neighbor’s property or your basement.
2. Patios
A beautiful stone patio can be the heart of your home, but it is also a structural challenge.
- DIY It If: You are installing a small, decorative gravel or flagstone area in a flat, stable part of your yard. If it shifts slightly over time, it’s easy to reset and adjust.
- Call a Pro If: You are building a large, paved, or mortared patio, or if your yard has significant slopes. A pro knows how to calculate the proper pitch (slope) so water sheds away from the house, and they have the equipment (like plate compactors) required to ensure the base doesn’t sink or settle unevenly after the first winter.
3. Hardscaping (Retaining Walls & Steps)
Hardscaping isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about physics.
- DIY It If: You are building small, decorative garden borders or low-profile edging stones (under 18–24 inches high). These generally don’t require heavy structural engineering.
- Call a Pro If: You are building a retaining wall meant to hold back significant weight, or constructing steps on a slope. If a large wall fails, it is not only dangerous but incredibly expensive to rebuild. A pro understands the importance of geogrid, drainage backfill, and structural footings that prevent walls from leaning or collapsing over time.
The Venetia Landscape Supply Advantage
Regardless of whether you decide to DIY or hire a crew, the materials make all the difference. A professional project starts with professional-grade base stone, the right drainage aggregate, and high-quality pavers.
Not sure which direction to go? Come visit us at the yard! We see thousands of projects come through our gates. We can help you look at your plans, assess the difficulty, and give you an honest recommendation on whether it’s a manageable weekend project or a job that requires professional expertise.
And if you do need a pro? We often have great relationships with local contractors we’d be happy to point you toward.
A Final Word of Advice: Never underestimate the importance of the “base.” Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a pro, if they try to skip the base preparation, run the other way. A beautiful surface on a bad foundation will always fail.
Do you have a specific project you’re currently debating? Stop by the shop or give us a call, and let’s talk it through!