DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
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 complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Folsom Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should choose plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Folsom
Landscaping typically costs $33–$50 per hour in Folsom, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Folsom
What are 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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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