Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lake Forest, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lake Forest 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 shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after images. You can 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

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

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Lake Forest

Generally, landscaping costs $28–$41 per hour in Lake Forest. These costs vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. 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