Best 5 Landscaping Companies in National City, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set 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 National City Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mowing, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

You want a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It might also employ 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. 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. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy 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 own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should use native plants (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. 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 National City

Landscaping typically costs $27–$40 per hour in National City, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Bigger projects necessitate 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 influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,206 - $17,608
Landscaping Design	$2,028 - $2,704
Landscaping LandGrading	$420 - $2,521
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,681
Planting Trees	$220 - $367
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,932 - $84,032