DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers 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 Covina Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as mulching, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company may employ 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
We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company'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 choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Covina
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Covina, depending on project type and size. 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. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Covina
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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