DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery 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 looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local 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 costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Highland Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper 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
Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, 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 recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work done 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 your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Highland
In Highland, you can expect to pay approximately $30–$46 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than simpler tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,298 - $16,397 |
Landscaping Design | $2,307 - $3,076 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $437 - $2,620 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,747 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $382 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,190 - $87,343 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Highland
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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