DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Simi Valley Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as pruning, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and fertilizing—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should possess 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 provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished 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 planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should choose plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Simi Valley
Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Simi Valley. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,131 - $17,508 |
Landscaping Design | $1,826 - $2,434 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $408 - $2,449 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,633 |
Planting Trees | $214 - $357 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,022 - $81,637 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Simi Valley
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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