DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require 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 total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Garden Grove Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want 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 landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Garden Grove
In Garden Grove, you can expect to pay around $28–$41 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,131 - $17,508 |
Landscaping Design | $2,094 - $2,791 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $424 - $2,544 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,696 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,229 - $84,813 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Garden Grove
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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