DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Fresno Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing 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 shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Choose full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Your provider may 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plants (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
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and may even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Fresno
In Fresno, you can expect to spend around $24–$36 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks such as mowing and gardening. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,072 - $16,096 |
Landscaping Design | $1,812 - $2,416 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $407 - $2,444 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,630 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $356 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,961 - $81,475 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Fresno
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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