DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create 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 attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Murrieta Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
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 landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Your provider may 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
We suggest 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 delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options; you might 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 quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Murrieta
In Murrieta, you can expect to pay roughly $28–$42 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 Murrieta
What are some 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 should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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