Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Santa Rosa, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction 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 the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Santa Rosa Landscaping Company

Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, 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 have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscapers normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Any provider you hire should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor 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, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies conduct 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 can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Santa Rosa

Landscaping in Santa Rosa generally costs between $35 and $53 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,359 - $17,812
Landscaping Design	$2,673 - $3,564
Landscaping LandGrading	$458 - $2,750
Landscaping Mulch	$28 - $138
Planting FlowerBeds	$92 - $1,834
Planting Trees	$240 - $401
Sodding	$46 - $55
Swimming Pool	$34,837 - $91,677