Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Santee, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Santee Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as pruning, mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and controlling weeds—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

Choose full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. 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

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

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, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its 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 plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Santee

Landscaping in Santee generally costs between $27 and $40 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,206 - $17,608
Landscaping Design	$2,028 - $2,704
Landscaping LandGrading	$420 - $2,521
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,681
Planting Trees	$220 - $367
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,932 - $84,032