Best 5 Landscaping Companies in San Clemente, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an San Clemente Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but it's also important that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services can include fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.

Choose a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. 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 various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess 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 may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Most contractors have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in San Clemente

In San Clemente, you can expect to spend approximately $28–$41 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows 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