Here are some questions to consider to help you find the LANDSCAPING professional that’s best for you:

ARE THEY LICENSED?

If your project costs more than $500, the contractor must be licensed by the state of California. To verify a license, use the California State License Board’s Instant License Check or call  them at (800) 321-2752.

Contractors must demonstrate a minimum level of competency and financial responsibility to be licensed. All CLCA member-contractors meet this requirement.

Many of California’s cities and counties require business licenses.

The Department of Agriculture requires landscape firms applying pesticides in California to have a pest control license.

are they insured?

Workers’ compensation insurance protects you in case a worker employed by a contractor is injured on your property.

General liability insurance protects against not-so-natural disasters. These policies typically offer a minimum coverage of $300,000 to $1 million for residential and at least $1 million for commercial work.

Automobile insurance provides additional protection when a contractor’s vehicle is involved in an accident on your property.

Are They Members of the California Landscape Contractors Association?

Membership in the association demonstrates a commitment by the landscaper to promote the professionalism and creativity of their company and their industry. With on-going education and professional development, CLCA works to ensure that all members provide their clients with a professional and cost-effective landscape experience.

Do Their References and Portfolio Inspire Confidence?

Expect to be provided with a reference list and examples of completed projects. Ask to tour projects similar to yours. Visiting a project in progress can be instructive as well. A “track record” of accomplishments can be demonstrated using:

• Photos of completed projects

• Letters of appreciation

• Examples of community work

• A biography

• Articles the contractor has written

• Awards won

Do You Feel A Connection With The Contractor?

Your relationship with your landscape and your landscape professional is more than a business arrangement. Guided by your vision and your budget, your landscape professional will transform your landscape into your dreams.

A landscape contractor may coordinate many specialties to create your landscape, including:

• Clearing /grading the land

• Ensuring that there is proper and adequate drainage

• Creating decks, patios, masonry walls, rockscapes, water features, paving and other creative effects

• Installing and managing irrigation systems

• Crafting interiorscapes and specialty gardens

• Installing lighting for safety and enjoyment

• Selecting and planting everything from the most delicate of flowers to massive trees

• Managing your garden to promote environmental health

• Auditing water use to eliminate waste

It’s imperative that you and your landscape contractor are able to communicate clearly to make your dreams a reality.

Are They Certified?

CLCA Certified Water Managers must pass a written test and complete a rigorous year-long field performance test that documents their ability to use water wisely.

Landscape Industry Certified Technicians must pass a rigorous written & “hands-on” examination demonstrating a thorough knowledge of installation, maintenance, and irrigation.

View companies in the Orange County area with certified employees.