DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required 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 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, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Gilroy Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mulching, controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some might also offer 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 possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may employ 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
Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Gilroy
Generally, landscaping costs $33–$50 per hour in Gilroy. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. 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 | $13,981 - $18,641 |
Landscaping Design | $2,521 - $3,361 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $449 - $2,696 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $135 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $90 - $1,797 |
Planting Trees | $235 - $393 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,152 - $89,873 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Gilroy
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.