Get matched with top landscapers in El Cajon, CA

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. 

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 25 pros

Yes, landscaping and lawn care can be done by anyone. Just like baking, anyone can do it, but are the results good and worth the effort? Hiring a professional makes sense when doing complex work such as drainage, treating insects and disease, and pruning trees over 20 feet tall, etc. Some of these things require special licensing, such as pruning large trees. Getting multiple estimates from well-regarded professionals can help you decide the best choices for a DIY project or hiring a professional.

Answered by Eric Wenger at Complete Lawn Care Inc. in Laytonsville, MD on 01/13/25

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.

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 17 pros

Landscapers typically charge $50 to $80 per person per hour, which equals around $150 to $240 per hour for a three-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.

Answered by Janet Larkin at Green Value Landscape + Design in Frederick, MD on 01/08/25 

Landscapers charge based on the size of the project and the number of skilled workers needed to complete the project. A basic 3-man crew, including heavy duty truck and tools can cost around $200.00 per hour, or $1,600.00 per day, plus materials, travel and disposal of waste. Larger projects can cost $2,500.00 per day, or more.

Answered by Eric Wenger at Complete Lawn Care Inc. in Laytonsville, MD on 01/13/25

This question is challenging because pricing varies greatly based on the job's scope, region, and required expertise. Obtaining multiple estimates will help you understand pricing better and keep contractors competitive.

Answered by Robert T. at Orchard Landscaping in Johns Creek, GA on 01/12/25

Landscape professionals typically charge $50 to $150 per hour based mainly on the type of equipment needed to perform the task safely and efficiently.

Answered by Alex Hoff at Southwest Services in Belle Plaine, MN on 01/20/25

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

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 23 pros

Saving money on a landscape project starts by breaking the project up in segments or phases. Start with the site work, digging or adding soils. Then plant the larger "anchor" plantings. Then follow up with the smaller fill in shrubs or flowers. Lastly, add decorative items like boulders, rock mulch and low voltage landscape lighting. This way you can budget the project based on your time and money.

Answered by John Fletcher at Carolina Bomanite Corp in Charlotte, NC on 01/07/25

Establishing a budget and adhering to it is crucial when starting any project. Selecting, pricing, and organizing your materials in advance can help you avoid unexpected costs later on. Additionally, considering DIY options and repurposing existing materials can be an effective way to save money.

Answered by Robert T. at Orchard Landscaping in Johns Creek, GA on 01/12/25

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.

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 23 pros

Licensing requirements vary from state to state and by locality. It's always best to check with your local University Extension Service to find out which services require licensing.

Answered by Eric Wenger at Complete Lawn Care Inc. in Laytonsville, MD on 01/13/25

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.