DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how 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 El Dorado Hills Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may also 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including 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, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. 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 impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in El Dorado Hills
Landscaping typically costs $32–$48 per hour in El Dorado Hills, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,540 - $16,720 |
Landscaping Design | $2,432 - $3,243 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $444 - $2,665 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $133 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $89 - $1,776 |
Planting Trees | $233 - $388 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,753 - $88,824 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in El Dorado Hills
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 do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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