DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help 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 your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Mountain View Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, 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 selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses 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 checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should select native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Mountain View
In Mountain View, you should expect to spend approximately $33–$50 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks such as mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's 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 Mountain View
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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