Best 5 Landscaping Companies in South San Francisco, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an South San Francisco Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Choose full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer 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 have the appropriate licenses 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 might 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. Landscapers normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully bonded and insured. 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. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, 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 can even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in South San Francisco

Landscaping typically costs $35–$52 per hour in South San Francisco, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,755 - $18,340
Landscaping Design	$2,643 - $3,524
Landscaping LandGrading	$457 - $2,740
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $137
Planting FlowerBeds	$91 - $1,827
Planting Trees	$239 - $399
Sodding	$46 - $55
Swimming Pool	$34,704 - $91,327