Best 5 Landscaping Companies in San Mateo, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.

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

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making 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 San Mateo 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 shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before picking a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include mulching, fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• 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, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re 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 will typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider'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

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in San Mateo

In San Mateo, you should expect to pay around $35–$52 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,755 - $18,340
Landscaping Design	$2,643 - $3,524
Landscaping LandGrading	$457 - $2,740
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $137
Planting FlowerBeds	$91 - $1,827
Planting Trees	$239 - $399
Sodding	$46 - $55
Swimming Pool	$34,704 - $91,327