DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Pasadena Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You'll need a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. 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 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 Pasadena city government. It 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
Look for a provider with a good 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. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and desert sand verbena—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
Request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Pasadena
Generally, landscaping costs $29–$43 per hour in Pasadena. These figures vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,492 - $17,990 |
Landscaping Design | $2,175 - $2,900 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,573 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,716 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,597 - $85,782 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Pasadena
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 do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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