DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an East Los Angeles Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It might 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
Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
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 might also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers 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
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. 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 negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in East Los Angeles
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in East Los Angeles. These prices vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 East Los Angeles
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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