Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Chico, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Chico Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as mowing, controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

Look for full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. 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 landscapers are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure 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

It may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors will usually have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Chico

Generally, landscaping costs $25–$38 per hour in Chico. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. 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	$12,817 - $17,089
Landscaping Design	$1,894 - $2,525
Landscaping LandGrading	$412 - $2,473
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,649
Planting Trees	$216 - $360
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,329 - $82,444