Should landscapers be certified or licensed?

<div>When it comes to landscapers, licensing laws vary. Landscaping architects are required to be licensed in all 50 states, whereas traditional landscaping contractors are not typically required to hold a certification. You’ll likely be working with a landscaping contractor for most residential projects. If you are redesigning your whole yard or adding in hardscape features, you will work with a landscaping architect at some point during the project. Be sure to <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">check our state licensing tool</a> to review the local landscaper guidelines.As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

How do I reduce landscaping costs?

<div>If you want landscaping done but want to save some money on the overall fees, you can do a few things at every stage. Some ways to save money on your landscaping include:<ul><li>Repurpose existing features and materials</li><li>Softscape instead of hardscape</li><li>Choose the more inexpensive materials</li><li>DIY when you can</li><li>Buy young plants instead of mature ones</li></ul></div>

How much are typical landscaping costs?

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-landscaping-cost.htm">Landscaping costs</a> around $3,500 but varies widely from $200 to $14,000. Factors that play a part in your final landscaping price tag include:<ul><li>Location</li><li>Yard size</li><li>Project size</li><li>Materials</li><li>Land preparation</li><li>Type of landscaping</li></ul>Considering so many factors, it’s not surprising that the overall costs can differ. A typical landscaping project is flower bed installation, which averages between $800 and $3,000. However, landscape lighting installation is a higher-end project, with a price tag of $2,000 to $6,000. </div>

Get matched with top landscapers in San Marcos, CA

There are 29 highly-rated local landscapers.

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4.5

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323

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Verified Reviews for Landscaping pros in San Marcos, CA

*The Angi rating for Landscaping companies in San Marcos, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Landscaping needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Landscaping companies in San Marcos, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Landscaping needs.

Last update on August 18, 2025

Reviewed in May 2018
Fantastic! Everyone was on time, did what they said they would and cleaned up at the end of the day. They also were the best price! I have used Southbay Xeriscape for both my front and back yard projects and would recommend with 100 % confidence!
SBX Eco Construction
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Reviewed in October 2019
After receiving a quote, he did not perform the services and did not show up at the job site 2 different days we agreed to. Next he asked I pay for the sod directly to the vendor as he was waiting for some other check to clear for funds. I was willing to give him another try buy I did not hear...
GREENBIRD LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in July 2016
Steve was awesome from start to finish. Made great suggestions and was always receptive to our ideas. If we ever do any more landscaping, we will use them again for sure. Great experience!!
Panjia Turf
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Reviewed in April 2023
They did a great job installing my turf. Tony was fast and very professional. The turf was installed exceptionally fast without any issues. I recommend their work to all my neighbors.
Luxturfscape
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Reviewed in June 2024
I reviewed Brothers Landscaping and Tree Service several years ago, but feel like it needs an updated review from me. Since my last review I have had Sebastian and crew landscape my yard. They did artificial turf with stepping stones, solid artificial turf, several retaining walls, pavers and a...
Brothers Landscaping & Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2021
I found system pavers through my Dad who had his driveway redone with paver stones and looked great. Due to their previous workmanship, I had them give a quote for my home. I had systems pavers do artificial turf in my front yard and paver stones in the back yard. They did a wonderful job. I got...
System Pavers
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Reviewed in April 2018
We recently completed a major job with California Smartscape and are very pleased with the results and the process. Our job involved replacing a large driveway and two patio areas totaling about 1800 square feet and about 100 feet of walkway with pavers, synthetic turf in two backyard areas,...
California Smartscape
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Reviewed in March 2017
I hired Tough Turtle to replace my front and back yards with turf and to replace the patches of grass by the curb with river rock and the addition of concrete in the front yard, as well as a curb in the back yard. I'm extremely pleased with both the installation process and the results. The crew...
Tough Turtle Turf
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Reviewed in May 2022
Canjura Construction did awesome job on my property. The crew was very professional. Always on time and very knowledgeable on the process and materials for the work that they performed. Having a company that shows up on time and works hard with great communication means a lot to me and my family.
Falcon Landscape Construction
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Reviewed in November 2016
AM Landscape deserves ALL the stars received on Yelp! In the initial consultation, the manager Aria was prompt, courteous and thorough. He was easy to work with and flexible with the ideas presented for our drought-friendly landscape. In addition, AM Landscape is competitively priced. The...
AM Landscape Construction Inc.
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Landscapers in San Marcos

Customers say: Super punctual

24 local quotes requested

27 years of experience

Del Mar Landscape Company is the most reliable landscape builder in the greater San Diego area. With many years of experience in both commercial and residential landscape, we have the resources and expertise to turn your landscape dream into your landscape reality. Our competitive prices rank among the best in the industry. Start now with a free design. Call Doug: Cell: (619) 723-0332.

"Very good job, started right away and stayed on the job until completion. Highly recommended"

Joel S on March 2024

"Very good job, started right away and stayed on the job until completion. Highly recommended"

Joel S on March 2024

Rock N Block - Turf N Hardscapes

282 Garfield Ave

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

Rock N Block - Turf N Hardscapes

282 Garfield Ave

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

746 local quotes requested

11 years of experience

Rock N Block Landscape takes great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality regardless of how large or small the job.

C & H Gardens Artistic Landscape & Tree Service

C & H Gardens Artistic Landscape & Tree Service

Customers say: Super punctual

262 local quotes requested

47 years of experience

12 Time Super Service Award Winner! C & H Gardens has been providing residential and commercial property landscape and arboricultural services since 1978. We specialize in creating tranquil, practical and functional outdoor living spaces. Whether you enjoy entertaining, recreation or relaxation we can bring Beauty and Tranquility to your world.

"Timely response. Owner was very personable and took his time to make sure he knew what I needed. Crew was fantastic! Job well done."

Kirsten G on April 2025

"Timely response. Owner was very personable and took his time to make sure he knew what I needed. Crew was fantastic! Job well done."

Kirsten G on April 2025

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

123 local quotes requested

Silver Scapes, Inc. offers top-tier landscaping services to make your outdoor space an oasis. Whether you need pavers, artificial turf, retaining walls, or more, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. As a licensed contractor and knowledge of the San Diego County terrain, we ensure every project meets the highest standards of reliability, quality, and safety.

"Silver Scapes came and installed our planter walls in our backyard. They also put in our drip systems and planted all our tropical plants. They were efficient, and careful not to damage the concrete we already had. Nate and the crew were great and gave us a great price too. Give them a call you won't regret it!"

Shari S on August 2024

HavenHub Home Services

HavenHub Home Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

3234 local quotes requested

At HavenHub, we're more than just a home service company – we're your trusted partner in creating havens of comfort and joy. Specializing in several verticals such as Landscaping, Roofing and HVAC solutions, we bring expertise and dedication to every project we undertake. What sets us apart is our commitment to putting our customers first. From the moment you engage us, you'll receive a world class experience with us. Whether it's transforming your outdoor space into a lush oasis or ensuring your indoor climate is just right, we're here to make it happen. At HavenHub, your satisfaction and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we're honored to be a part of your home journey. Welcome to the HavenHub family, where your home is our passion.

"Helpful! They’re helping us fix what went wrong."

Kadee G on June 2025

"Helpful! They’re helping us fix what went wrong."

Kadee G on June 2025

Evo Turf & Pavers

8990 Miramar Rd Suite 170

8990 Miramar Rd Suite 170

Customers say: Quality work

148 local quotes requested

12 years of experience

Evo Turf & Evo Pavers was built with Southern California homeowners in mind, especially those tired of sky-high water bills, patchy grass, and endless yard work. Since discovering the potential of synthetic turf in 2006, we’ve been committed to transforming outdoor spaces into clean, modern, and low-maintenance environments. Our company is rooted in three pillars: product expertise, top-tier customer service, and fair competitive pricing. That’s what’s made us one of the fastest-growing landscape providers in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties. As San Diego natives and lifelong friends, we take a hands-on approach: one of us will be the one answering your call, walking your property, or checking in after installation. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, we’re here with honest advice, prompt communication, and a focus on long-term satisfaction. Considering making the switch to synthetic turf? No more mowing, watering, seeding, or chemicals. Say goodbye to bugs, allergies, pet urine spots, and brown patches, and hello to a green, beautiful yard that looks great every day of the year. Contact us for a free quote today!

"I’m so glad I went with this company; they made everything simple and did a fantastic job. Highly recommend!"

Kamry W on June 2025

"I’m so glad I went with this company; they made everything simple and did a fantastic job. Highly recommend!"

Kamry W on June 2025

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

37 local quotes requested

Martinez L&R Excavating is your trusted partner for all your landscaping needs in San Diego. With our expertise and attention to detail, we deliver exceptional results that set us apart from the competition. Contact us today for a seamless and professional experience!

"Excellent! Juve, Jhonny, And the crew do excellent job for me. I was so annoyed with how all the large potted plants in front of my yard, and now they are gorgeous! I also have a better understanding of how to take care of them and keep in touch with the company to ensure that they continue to thrive."

Carla B on April 2025

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

38 local quotes requested

Hello, my name is Steve Lawrence- I own Coastal Pavers. I have worked in the industry for over 15 years and love designing and building dreams for my customers. We specialize in inter-locking pavers, concrete, walls, turf, pergolas, fire pits, bbq, fireplaces-anything you can dream outdoors!! I am the person who will help you design, price and manage the project every day!

"Coastal Pavers did an excellent job on my patio. I contacted 4 companies and their price was most reasonable. Steve, the manager, was knowledgeable and very accommodating. The workers did an awesome job, working hard and efficiently. I would use the company again if needed. I can highly recommend Coastal Pavers."

Uta F on August 2025

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

63 local quotes requested

We have 20 years experience and specialize in all phases of landscaping, hardscaping, retaining walls, mulch spreading, leaf removal, stump grinding, tree trimming, yard clean ups, yard maintenance, mowing and more! We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service. Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

"Excellent service. Very professional. A pleasure to work with"

E S on June 2025

"Excellent service. Very professional. A pleasure to work with"

E S on June 2025

Fresh New Fruit Landscaping

Fresh New Fruit Landscaping

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

66 local quotes requested

Fresh New Fruit specializes in food landscaping in San Diego. We install irrigation, teach harvesting and more. Weed abatement, water conservation, and local plants that use low water are all priorities. We do everything at a flat, fair rate and maintain the highest standards in the industry. http://www.freshnewfruit.com

"Jeremy is knowledgeable about plants but lacks integrity. He boasts knowledge about irrigation but continued to not fix any of the problems with my irrigation and added on more to the cost to troubleshoot until I was forced to reach out to someone who did know what they were doing who fixed the problem immediately while also noting that he hooked up the irrigation incorrectly. This cost me more money and I collected video proof of this which I sent to Jeremy who refused to acknowledge my email. Save yourself money and hassle."

Lovepreet K on August 2024

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Showing 1-10 of 232

FAQs for landscaping projects in San Marcos, CA

Landscapers typically charge $25 to $50 per person per hour, which equals around $50 to $100 per hour for a two-person crew. These rates can vary depending on your location, the size of staff needed for the job, and overall job type. For example, a larger crew will be needed for structural additions and hardscaping versus planting flowers.

When it comes to landscapers, licensing laws vary. Landscaping architects are required to be licensed in all 50 states, whereas traditional landscaping contractors are not typically required to hold a certification. You’ll likely be working with a landscaping contractor for most residential projects. If you are redesigning your whole yard or adding in hardscape features, you will work with a landscaping architect at some point during the project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local landscaper guidelines.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

If you want landscaping done but want to save some money on the overall fees, you can do a few things at every stage. Some ways to save money on your landscaping include:

Repurpose existing features and materials
Softscape instead of hardscape
Choose the more inexpensive materials
DIY when you can
Buy young plants instead of mature ones

If you are an avid DIYer and have plenty of time to dedicate to your yard, doing your own landscaping (or at least some of it) can be an affordable option. Projects like planting a tree, planting grass, laying sod, or building a firepit can realistically be done without the need for a landscaping professional. However, these projects can take considerable time and some landscaping knowledge, so having a pro might save you in the long run.

Projects that are dangerous, like digging with heavy machinery or removing a tree, should always be done by a professional.

Landscaping costs around $3,500 but varies widely from $200 to $14,000. Factors that play a part in your final landscaping price tag include:

Location
Yard size
Project size
Materials
Land preparation
Type of landscaping

Considering so many factors, it’s not surprising that the overall costs can differ. A typical landscaping project is flower bed installation, which averages between $800 and $3,000. However, landscape lighting installation is a higher-end project, with a price tag of $2,000 to $6,000.

The San Marcos, CA homeowners’ guide to landscaping services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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Pond Liner Calculator: What Size Pond Liner Do I Need?

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Get matched with top landscapers in San Marcos, CA

There are 29 highly-rated local landscapers.

Need a pro for your landscaping project in San Marcos, CA?

Holiday Lighting Service

Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures Install or Repair

TRUSTED BY SAN MARCOS, CA HOMEOWNERS

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Landscapers in San Marcos

FAQs for landscaping projects in San Marcos, CA

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Get matched with top landscapers in San Marcos, CA

There are 29 highly-rated local landscapers.

Need a pro for your landscaping project in San Marcos, CA?

Holiday Lighting Service

Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures Install or Repair

TRUSTED BY SAN MARCOS, CA HOMEOWNERS

Verified Reviews for Landscaping pros in San Marcos, CA

Landscapers in San Marcos

FAQs for landscaping projects in San Marcos, CA

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