Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Irvine, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper 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. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Irvine Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and pruning—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control 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. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Your provider 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 might also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas so that you can get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Irvine

Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Irvine, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down 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