Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.

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.

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 you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Rancho Santa Margarita Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Your provider 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

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

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. Landscaping providers should opt for native plant life (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 quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Rancho Santa Margarita

Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Rancho Santa Margarita, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down 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