What 'Landscape Contractor Near Me' Should Actually Mean in LA
California separates landscape contractors (C-27) from gardeners and maintenance crews. To install — not maintain — landscape with structures, irrigation, lighting, drainage, or grading, the contractor must hold a C-27. Most homeowners don't know this. Most uninsured installers are counting on you not knowing this.
What a Real Landscape Install Includes in LA
- Soil prep: amend, till, grade for positive drainage
- Drainage: French drains, channel drains, sump where needed
- Drip + low-volume irrigation, smart controller (Title 24 compliant)
- Planting design with mature size accounted for
- Mulch (3 inches minimum) on every planting bed
- Low-voltage lighting design and install
- Establishment period: 60–90 days of plant care included
Real Landscape Pricing (LA, 2026)
- Front yard refresh: $8,000–$22,000
- Backyard planting + irrigation: $18,000–$45,000
- Full backyard install (planting, turf, lighting, drainage): $35,000–$95,000
- Drought-tolerant native package: $18–$35/sf installed
MWD / Cal Green / Title 24 Compliance
LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) require water-efficient landscapes for new installs over certain square footages. A real landscape contractor designs to MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) and submits required documentation. This is included in our pricing.
10 Questions for Your Landscape Contractor
- What's your C-27 license number?
- Do you carry workers' comp and $1M+ general liability?
- Are you MWELO-compliant and is documentation included?
- What's the irrigation controller brand and zoning plan?
- How is drainage handled?
- What's the plant warranty and replacement policy?
- Who manages the 60–90 day establishment period?
- Are you using container-grown or B&B plant material?
- What soil amendment are you specifying?
- Are utilities being marked before any digging?
💡 Pro Tip
Beware of bids that exclude 'plant material' — this lets the installer add 30–50% on top later. Demand a plant schedule with sizes, quantities, and total cost included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a landscape contractor cost in LA?
Front yard refreshes start at $8,000. Full backyard installs run $35,000–$95,000 depending on hardscape integration, planting density, and drainage requirements.
What license should an LA landscape contractor hold?
California C-27 Landscape Contractor license. Verify at cslb.ca.gov. A landscape designer is not a contractor and cannot legally install.
Do landscape projects need permits in LA?
Most planting and irrigation does not. Grading over 50 cubic yards, hardscape over certain thresholds, and any retaining wall over 4 ft do require permits.
What's MWELO and does it apply to me?
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies to new and renovated landscapes over 500–2,500 sf depending on jurisdiction. It limits turf area, requires drip irrigation, and mandates smart controllers.
How long do new plants take to establish?
60–90 days for shrubs and groundcovers, 1–2 seasons for trees. A real contractor includes establishment-period care in the contract.
Should hardscape and landscape be the same contractor?
Yes — design-build eliminates finger-pointing where grading, drainage, and irrigation cross trade lines. It also reduces total cost 5–15%.
