DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an West Covina Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, mowing, mulching, pruning, and controlling weeds—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company 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
Look for a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in West Covina
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in West Covina. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,943 - $17,257 |
Landscaping Design | $2,114 - $2,819 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,552 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,701 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $372 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,321 - $85,055 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in West Covina
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
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Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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