Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Ontario, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

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

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how 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 Ontario Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

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

You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company may employ 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most contractors have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. 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

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer 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 affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Ontario

Landscaping in Ontario generally costs between $30 and $46 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,298 - $16,397
Landscaping Design	$2,307 - $3,076
Landscaping LandGrading	$437 - $2,620
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $131
Planting FlowerBeds	$87 - $1,747
Planting Trees	$229 - $382
Sodding	$44 - $52
Swimming Pool	$33,190 - $87,343