Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Los Angeles, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, 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 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, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Los Angeles Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaping company. 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 providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper 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 designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure 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

It may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. 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 ones that frequently mention delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices might include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

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 outline project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Los Angeles

Landscaping in Los Angeles generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Larger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. 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