Best 5 Landscaping Companies in San Jose, CA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

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

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop 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 expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an San Jose Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services may include fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.

Choose a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They may 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 certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It may 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices may include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in San Jose

Generally, landscaping costs $33–$50 per hour in San Jose. These prices vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,981 - $18,641
Landscaping Design	$2,521 - $3,361
Landscaping LandGrading	$449 - $2,696
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $135
Planting FlowerBeds	$90 - $1,797
Planting Trees	$235 - $393
Sodding	$45 - $54
Swimming Pool	$34,152 - $89,873