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 fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
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're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Tulare Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and mulching. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.
You need 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 upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers 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
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies 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 materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Tulare
Landscaping in Tulare generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,564 - $15,418 |
Landscaping Design | $1,794 - $2,392 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $406 - $2,438 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,625 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $355 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,879 - $81,260 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Tulare
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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