Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Thousand Oaks, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate construction and machinery experience.

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

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. A local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Thousand Oaks Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.

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

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should possess the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider might 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 aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should select native plant life—such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry—for best results. Any work done on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better deal. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Thousand Oaks

Landscaping in Thousand Oaks generally costs between $24 and $36 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,131 - $17,508
Landscaping Design	$1,826 - $2,434
Landscaping LandGrading	$408 - $2,449
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,633
Planting Trees	$214 - $357
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,022 - $81,637