DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Arden-Arcade Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should use native plants (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Arden-Arcade
Landscaping typically costs $33–$50 per hour in Arden-Arcade, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,120 - $17,494 |
Landscaping Design | $2,527 - $3,370 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $450 - $2,699 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $135 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $90 - $1,799 |
Planting Trees | $236 - $393 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,183 - $89,954 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Arden-Arcade
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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