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. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Rancho Cordova Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is your best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. 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
Look for a provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. 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. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, you can expect to pay roughly $33–$50 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks such as mowing and gardening. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase the final 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 breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,120 - $17,494 |
Landscaping Design | $2,527 - $3,370 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $450 - $2,699 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $135 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $90 - $1,799 |
Planting Trees | $236 - $393 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,183 - $89,954 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Rancho Cordova
What are some 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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