Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Costa Mesa, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most 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 also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Costa Mesa Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mowing, mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company 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 landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Your provider 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. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most providers have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct 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 Costa Mesa

In Costa Mesa, you should expect to spend around $28–$41 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

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