Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Santa Barbara, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Santa Barbara Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• 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 National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Santa Barbara

Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in Santa Barbara, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,103 - $17,471
Landscaping Design	$1,962 - $2,616
Landscaping LandGrading	$416 - $2,498
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,665
Planting Trees	$218 - $364
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,636 - $83,252