Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Mission Viejo, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create 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 costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Mission Viejo Landscaping Company

Finding the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and pruning—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

You should hire 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, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. 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 landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company 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 may also hold 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. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both 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 unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Mission Viejo

In Mission Viejo, you can expect to pay around $28–$41 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks like gardening and mowing. Larger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

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