Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Santa Monica, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.

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

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. 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 Santa Monica Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Your provider 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 might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Your landscaper should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check 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 mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. 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 landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, you can expect to pay roughly $28–$42 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may 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	$12,943 - $17,257
Landscaping Design	$2,114 - $2,819
Landscaping LandGrading	$425 - $2,552
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,701
Planting Trees	$223 - $372
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,321 - $85,055