Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Santa Cruz, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires 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.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Santa Cruz Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, 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

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company may have 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Most contractors have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Santa Cruz

Landscaping in Santa Cruz generally costs between $36 and $54 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,847 - $17,130
Landscaping Design	$2,716 - $3,621
Landscaping LandGrading	$461 - $2,766
Landscaping Mulch	$28 - $138
Planting FlowerBeds	$92 - $1,844
Planting Trees	$242 - $403
Sodding	$46 - $55
Swimming Pool	$35,032 - $92,188