Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Walnut Creek, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Walnut Creek Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may 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, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Walnut Creek

Landscaping typically costs $31–$47 per hour in Walnut Creek, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,530 - $18,040
Landscaping Design	$2,355 - $3,140
Landscaping LandGrading	$440 - $2,637
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $132
Planting FlowerBeds	$88 - $1,758
Planting Trees	$230 - $384
Sodding	$44 - $53
Swimming Pool	$33,405 - $87,908