DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents expensive DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Pittsburg Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services can include controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
You should hire a full-service landscaper 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 adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider might 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 recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. 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 can use competing quotes to negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Pittsburg
Generally, landscaping costs $31–$47 per hour in Pittsburg. These prices vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,530 - $18,040 |
Landscaping Design | $2,355 - $3,140 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $440 - $2,637 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $132 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $88 - $1,758 |
Planting Trees | $230 - $384 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,405 - $87,908 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Pittsburg
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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