DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hawthorne Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and pruning—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
You need a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, 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 checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing 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 to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Hawthorne
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Hawthorne, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,943 - $17,257 |
Landscaping Design | $2,114 - $2,819 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,552 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,701 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,321 - $85,055 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hawthorne
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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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