Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Santa Clara, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer 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 long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Santa Clara Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, and fertilizing. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure 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

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Be wary of companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request 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

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

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most providers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Santa Clara

Landscaping typically costs $33–$50 per hour in Santa Clara, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex 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: