Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Los Angeles, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Los Angeles Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Choose 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. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. 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

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may also 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscapers typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Any provider you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones that are similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Los Angeles

Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Los Angeles, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down 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