DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
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 total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer 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 long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Chino Hills Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company may have the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should choose plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Chino Hills
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$46 per hour in Chino Hills. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,298 - $16,397 |
Landscaping Design | $2,307 - $3,076 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $437 - $2,620 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,747 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $382 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,190 - $87,343 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Chino Hills
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the 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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