DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
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're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Sunnyvale Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You need a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company may have 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
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should choose plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work done on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in Sunnyvale
In Sunnyvale, you can expect to spend roughly $33–$50 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,981 - $18,641 |
Landscaping Design | $2,521 - $3,361 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $449 - $2,696 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $135 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $90 - $1,797 |
Planting Trees | $235 - $393 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,152 - $89,873 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Sunnyvale
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 can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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