DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.
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, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Newport Beach Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It might 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
Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Newport Beach
In Newport Beach, you should expect to spend around $28–$41 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as mowing and gardening. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,131 - $17,508 |
Landscaping Design | $2,094 - $2,791 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $424 - $2,544 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,696 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,229 - $84,813 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Newport Beach
What are 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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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