DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
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.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Moreno Valley Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option 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 gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It might also employ 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
Try to find a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plants (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Moreno Valley
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Moreno Valley, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,728 - $16,970 |
Landscaping Design | $2,098 - $2,798 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $424 - $2,546 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,697 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,249 - $84,867 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Moreno Valley
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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