DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You probably have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.
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 planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Upland Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and pruning—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It might also employ 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
Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company 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
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Upland
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$46 per hour in Upland. 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. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,298 - $16,397 |
Landscaping Design | $2,307 - $3,076 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $437 - $2,620 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $131 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $87 - $1,747 |
Planting Trees | $229 - $382 |
Sodding | $44 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $33,190 - $87,343 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Upland
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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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