DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bellflower Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
You'll want full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Bellflower
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Bellflower, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,943 - $17,257 |
Landscaping Design | $2,114 - $2,819 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,552 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,701 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,321 - $85,055 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Bellflower
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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