DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an San Bernardino Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like 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. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, you can expect to spend roughly $30–$46 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 San Bernardino
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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