Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Santa Maria, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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 planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Santa Maria Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest management services and tree removal.

You should hire a full-service landscaping company 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 adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. The company may employ 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, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors will typically have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. 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. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

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 off their quality work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These practices include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should use plant life native to your area—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Santa Maria

Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in Santa Maria, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider 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