Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Elk Grove, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. 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 total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Elk Grove Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

Look for a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure 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

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plant life (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Elk Grove

Landscaping in Elk Grove generally costs between $33 and $50 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,120 - $17,494
Landscaping Design	$2,527 - $3,370
Landscaping LandGrading	$450 - $2,699
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $135
Planting FlowerBeds	$90 - $1,799
Planting Trees	$236 - $393
Sodding	$45 - $54
Swimming Pool	$34,183 - $89,954