DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
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 company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. 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 Porterville Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure 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’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include pruning, mowing, mulching, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as 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 a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make 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 Porterville
Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Porterville. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,564 - $15,418 |
Landscaping Design | $1,794 - $2,392 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $406 - $2,438 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,625 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $355 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,879 - $81,260 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Porterville
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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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