DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an La Habra Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, 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
We suggest checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge 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 choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud 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 own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in La Habra
In La Habra, you should expect to pay around $28–$41 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than easier tasks like mowing and gardening. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
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 La Habra
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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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