DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Fremont Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should possess 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
We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers 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
Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. 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 Fremont
Landscaping in Fremont generally costs between $34 and $51 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. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,650 - $18,199 |
Landscaping Design | $2,561 - $3,415 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $452 - $2,711 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $136 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $90 - $1,807 |
Planting Trees | $237 - $395 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,336 - $90,358 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Fremont
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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