Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Aliso Viejo, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional construction and machinery expertise.

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Aliso Viejo Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mulching, fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, and pruning—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some may 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 employ the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most providers have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Aliso Viejo

Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Aliso Viejo, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors such as your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's 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