Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Watsonville, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Watsonville Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services may include pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.

You'll want full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. 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

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure 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

We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, 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

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Watsonville

Landscaping in Watsonville generally costs between $36 and $54 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will impact your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects: