DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor 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 Victorville Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Your provider may 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get an idea of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should select native plant life—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, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Victorville
Landscaping in Victorville generally costs between $30 and $46 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors such as the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
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 Victorville
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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