DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Long Beach Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, pruning, mulching, mowing, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.
You'll need full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (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 lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Long Beach
Landscaping in Long Beach generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. 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 Long Beach
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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