Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Novato, 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 heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as an irrigation system or fire pit, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

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

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Novato Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as fertilizing, mowing, mulching, pruning, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

You'll need full-service landscaping 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 designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure 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 might 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 National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for 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

Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Novato

Generally, landscaping costs $33–$49 per hour in Novato. 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 like your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies may 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	$14,360 - $19,146
Landscaping Design	$2,484 - $3,312
Landscaping LandGrading	$447 - $2,683
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $134
Planting FlowerBeds	$89 - $1,789
Planting Trees	$234 - $391
Sodding	$45 - $54
Swimming Pool	$33,988 - $89,443