Best 5 Landscaping Companies in San Francisco, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an San Francisco Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, 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 providers cater to different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, mowing, and pruning. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.

You need a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses 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 might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as 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 bonded and insured. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

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, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies 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 multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in San Francisco

Landscaping in San Francisco generally costs between $39 and $58 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Larger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$14,554 - $19,406
Landscaping Design	$2,925 - $3,900
Landscaping LandGrading	$473 - $2,840
Landscaping Mulch	$28 - $142
Planting FlowerBeds	$95 - $1,893
Planting Trees	$248 - $414
Sodding	$47 - $57
Swimming Pool	$35,973 - $94,665