DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires 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.
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 looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Rancho Cucamonga Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services.
Choose full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses 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
You want a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider'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
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should use native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Rancho Cucamonga
Landscaping in Rancho Cucamonga generally costs between $30 and $46 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final 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 | $12,298 - $16,397 |
Landscaping Design | $2,307 - $3,076 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $437 - $2,620 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,747 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $382 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,190 - $87,343 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Rancho Cucamonga
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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