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 heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Santa Clarita Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
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 sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have 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
Try to find a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should select native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Santa Clarita
Landscaping in Santa Clarita generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. 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 depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,943 - $17,257 |
Landscaping Design | $2,114 - $2,819 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,552 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,701 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,321 - $85,055 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Santa Clarita
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some 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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