DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Livermore Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services might include pruning, fertilizing, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may 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 suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see 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. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should use native plant life (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Livermore
In Livermore, you should expect to spend around $33–$50 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Livermore
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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