Before & After Landscaping is a residential design and installation firm that handles full-yard transformations, from conceptual plans to planting and hardscape construction, serving Oklahoma City and surrounding areas with both new builds and renovation projects.
The company specializes in custom landscape design paired with hands-on installation rather than ongoing maintenance contracts. Work ranges from front-entry curb appeal projects (typically $3,000 to $8,000) to comprehensive backyard overhauls including irrigation, mulch beds, sod, and patio or retaining wall installation. Projects often span multiple weeks and involve an initial design consultation where the landscape designer visits the property, assesses sun exposure and drainage, and produces a plan before work begins. Most jobs are one-time engagements rather than recurring seasonal service, though clients can contract separately for post-installation maintenance if needed.
Initial consultations are typically free and include a site assessment and informal scope discussion. Design fees (when a formal plan is produced) run $300 to $600 depending on yard size and complexity; this fee is often credited back if the client moves forward with installation. Installation pricing is quoted per project and varies widely based on materials, labor, and site conditions. A simple foundation planting of shrubs and perennials might cost $2,500 to $4,000; a full backyard redesign with new sod, mulch beds, low lighting, and a patio or fire pit area can reach $15,000 to $25,000 or more. Hardscape elements (pavers, retaining walls, pergolas) increase costs proportionally. Clients should expect to receive itemized estimates breaking down materials and labor separately, allowing them to adjust scope if budget tightens.
Oklahoma City has both large-scale contractors and independent designers. Companies like Cutting Edge Landscape (primarily maintenance-focused with seasonal contracts starting around $150 to $250 monthly) suit homeowners wanting year-round upkeep; Before & After is better for those seeking a single, transformative design project. Smaller solo operators or part-time landscape crews often underprice formal design work but may lack portfolio depth or produce inconsistent results. Before & After's model assumes the homeowner wants a designer's eye upfront and is willing to pay for that expertise; it is not the low-bid option but positions design and installation quality as central to the value. Choose Before & After if you want a cohesive plan before digging; choose a maintenance contractor if your yard is established and you need seasonal cleanup or care.
Before & After works well for homeowners starting from scratch, moving into a house with neglected landscaping, or wanting a major refresh that coordinates multiple elements (lawn, beds, hardscape, irrigation). It also suits clients who can commit to a multi-week project timeline and have a defined budget in mind. The firm is less ideal for renters, those in short-term housing, or homeowners seeking only lawn mowing or routine weeding; those needs align better with maintenance-only services. If your primary concern is emergency tree removal or large-scale tree work, specialist tree companies may be more appropriate.
A property visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. The designer observes the lot's dimensions, existing vegetation, grading, sun patterns throughout the day, and any drainage concerns. They will ask about your preferences, how you use the outdoor space, maintenance tolerance, and budget range. Some homeowners bring inspiration photos or Pinterest boards; others describe a mood or need. After the initial meeting, Before & After produces a written estimate or, for larger projects, a formal landscape plan (often drawn to scale and showing plantings, hardscape placement, and material callouts). You will receive this plan via email or at an in-person review meeting where changes can be requested before work is scheduled.
Before & After operates seasonally, with peak installation from March through October and reduced activity November through February. Most consultations are by appointment; contact should be initiated by phone or their website form. Street parking is typically available at residential properties; there is no shop location open to walk-ins. Crew sizes vary by project but usually include 2 to 4 workers. Typical project duration is 2 to 4 weeks depending on scope and weather. Payment terms should be confirmed at proposal; many landscape firms require a deposit (often 25 to 50 percent) before work begins, with balance due upon substantial completion.
Before & After fills a genuine niche in Oklahoma City's landscape market for homeowners who want professional design paired with quality installation and are not looking for a recurring service contract. The upfront planning process and material-driven pricing separate it from low-cost maintenance providers and distinguish it in a field crowded with seasonal crews.
