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 construction and machinery experience as well.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Turlock Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services can include pruning, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.
A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may also 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
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Turlock
Landscaping typically costs $29–$44 per hour in Turlock, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex 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 | $12,704 - $16,939 |
Landscaping Design | $2,228 - $2,970 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $432 - $2,592 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,728 |
Planting Trees | $226 - $378 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,832 - $86,401 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Turlock
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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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