Best 5 Landscaping Companies in El Monte, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an El Monte Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider might employ 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 Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest using third-party review sites such as 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 unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should implement native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will cover 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 lower price.

Landscaping Costs in El Monte

Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in El Monte. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. 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