DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Oxnard Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and mowing—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, 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 companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Oxnard
Landscaping in Oxnard generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,131 - $17,508 |
Landscaping Design | $1,826 - $2,434 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $408 - $2,449 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,633 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $357 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,022 - $81,637 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Oxnard
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the 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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