Local service guide
Irving gardening: Hiring and Planning Guide
Before hiring help for gardening in Irving, agree on the beds, plants and tasks, then request a written quote covering materials, debris removal and aftercare. Include hauling because Irving requires service providers to remove waste they produce. Before approving new plants, identify your water source and decide who will handle establishment watering under the applicable city rules. [1] [2]
Define the work before comparing quotes
Walk through the garden with each person quoting the work. Identify plants to keep, weeds to remove and shrubs you want trimmed. Mark plants you cannot identify and ask the gardener to confirm them before removal. Share photos and approximate bed dimensions so each person quotes the same area.
For a cleanup, describe the finished condition: weeded beds, agreed pruning, cleared paths and removal of cuttings. For planting, list plant names, quantities, container sizes and approved substitutions. For recurring care, specify the tasks per visit and how you will approve extra work.
Request separate amounts for labor, plants, mulch, delivery and disposal. For hourly work, agree on a spending limit and when the gardener must contact you. Ask about equipment, travel and minimum charges. Compare the total for your agreed scope, and put any changes in writing before work starts.
Include hauling in the cleanup agreement
Irving requires contractors, landscapers and tree trimmers to remove waste they produce. Include removal in the agreement instead of assuming the crew can leave its cuttings at the curb for municipal collection. [2]
Ask the gardener to include loading, hauling and disposal in writing. Identify existing piles before work begins and agree whether the price includes those too. During the final walkthrough, check beds, paths and the loading area before accepting the job as complete.
Check the water source and establishment plan
Irving’s general irrigation rule limits residents and businesses to twice-weekly watering under an odd/even address schedule. The city prohibits watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 through October 31, subject to its stated exceptions. Check the applicable schedule before asking the gardener to program a controller. [1]
The city exempts properties using qualifying alternative water sources, including wells or Dallas County Utility and Reclamation District supplies, from its watering schedule. Well users must display a yard sign identifying well-water use. Alternative sources must comply with the city’s Backflow and Cross-Connection Control Program and relevant City Code sections. Confirm that your supply qualifies before relying on an exemption. [1]
Irving permits watering for irrigation-system repairs, testing and maintenance. For establishing new grass or landscaping, residents can apply for a temporary watering variance. Agree on who will submit the application and confirm the approved arrangement before relying on extra establishment watering. Name the person who will check moisture and water between gardening visits. [1]
The National Weather Service reports a normal July high of 95.6°F and August high of 95.8°F at DFW for 1991–2020. Use that regional context to ask how the proposed plants and aftercare suit your garden’s sun exposure. These averages do not predict conditions at your property on planting day. [5]
Separate mulch materials from installation
Irving residents can collect free mulch year-round at Hunter Ferrell Municipal Landfill. The city requires a driver’s license or state ID plus a city water bill with a matching address. Confirm who will collect the material; do not assume your gardener can collect it on your behalf. [3]
Ask the gardener to measure the beds and state the proposed mulch depth and quantity. Separate weeding, pickup, transport and spreading from the material charge. Irving advises weeding before mulching and keeping mulch away from tree trunks. Include those preparation and finishing details in the agreement. [3]
Check treatment credentials and aftercare
Texas requires applicators who apply pesticides to plants, trees, shrubs, grass or other horticultural plants for hire to hold a Texas Department of Agriculture license, regardless of pesticide classification. Request the applicator’s name and license details when the quote includes herbicide or insecticide treatment. [4]
Ask the gardener to distinguish hand weeding from chemical treatment in the quote. Before approving a treatment, request the product name, target problem and instructions for access afterward. Ask for proof of liability insurance and identify who will handle damage concerns.
For new plants, request written care instructions and replacement terms before purchase. Agree on a follow-up date, what the gardener will inspect and whether that visit costs extra. Keep the plant list and completion photos so you can discuss specific concerns.
DFW normal monthly high temperatures for garden planning
Local details that affect your job
Arrange irrigation diagnostics before replacement planting
Irving offers residents a free irrigation system check-up through its Irrigation Assistance Program. A licensed irrigation technician evaluates programming, leaks, sprinkler heads and coverage. If you suspect uneven watering, arrange the check-up before approving replacement plants and share the findings with the gardener. [1]
Plan resident mulch pickup around landfill hours
The city lists mulch pickup at 110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Bring matching identification and a city water bill. Confirm hours before arranging transport and agree on pickup labor before accepting the gardening quote. [3]
Match the agreement to your garden job
| Your job | Include in the agreement | Local check |
|---|---|---|
| Overgrown bed cleanup | Plants to retain, pruning limits and hauling | The service provider must remove waste it produces. |
| New planting | Plant sizes, substitutions, watering and aftercare | Check the water source, applicable schedule and need for an establishment variance. |
| Mulch refresh | Preparation, depth, quantity, pickup and spreading | Resident pickup requires matching identification and a city water bill. |
| Weed or insect treatment | Product, target problem, applicator identity and access instructions | TDA requires licensing for pesticide application to horticultural plants for hire. |
Your hiring checklist
- Photograph the beds and mark plants to keep before the walkthrough.
- Give each gardener the same task list and plant quantities.
- Request separate labor, materials, transport and disposal amounts.
- Agree on gate access, pets and protection for nearby plants.
- Identify the water source and assign watering responsibilities.
- Request applicator credentials before approving pesticide work.
- Record aftercare, follow-up charges and plant replacement terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the gardener leave branches for city pickup?
Irving excludes waste produced by landscapers, tree trimmers and other contractors from municipal collection. Require the service provider to remove its debris and include disposal in the quote. [2]
Does the watering schedule apply to well or DCURD water?
Irving exempts qualifying alternative sources, including wells and Dallas County Utility and Reclamation District supplies, from its watering schedule. Well users must display a yard sign. Alternative sources must meet city backflow, cross-connection and relevant code requirements. Confirm your supply before relying on the exemption. [1]
Can new plants receive extra watering?
Residents can submit an Irrigation Schedule Variance Form for a temporary establishment exception. Confirm the approved arrangement before relying on extra watering. The city also permits watering for irrigation-system repairs, testing and maintenance. [1]
Does free city mulch include installation?
The city offers mulch for eligible residents to pick up. Ask the gardener to price collection, transport, bed preparation and spreading, and confirm who will collect the material. [3]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.