DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Laguna Niguel Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure 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 poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Laguna Niguel
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$41 per hour in Laguna Niguel. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard 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 different landscaping services:
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 Laguna Niguel
What are 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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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