DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs 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 the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
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 knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living 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 Westminster Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company 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 factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll need 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 upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company may 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plants (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Westminster
Landscaping in Westminster generally costs between $28 and $41 per hour. These figures 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. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,131 - $17,508 |
Landscaping Design | $2,094 - $2,791 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $424 - $2,544 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,696 |
Planting Trees | $222 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,229 - $84,813 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Westminster
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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