DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Pico Rivera Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors 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 might include pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Look for a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, 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 various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should select plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't affect your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Pico Rivera
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Pico Rivera, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,943 - $17,257 |
Landscaping Design | $2,114 - $2,819 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,552 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,701 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,321 - $85,055 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Pico Rivera
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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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