Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lake Elsinore, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lake Elsinore Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaping company comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• 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, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaping company. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Lake Elsinore

Landscaping in Lake Elsinore generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,728 - $16,970
Landscaping Design	$2,098 - $2,798
Landscaping LandGrading	$424 - $2,546
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $127
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,697
Planting Trees	$222 - $371
Sodding	$42 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,249 - $84,867