Choosing a landscape contractor is not like hiring a plumber. The decision shapes how you experience your property for a decade or more — and the differences between contractors are vast and consequential.
Why the Difference Matters
Most home improvement contractors build things that will be hidden inside walls or under floors. Landscape contractors build things that are exposed to the elements, that must grow and evolve over time, and that interact with water, soil, and climate in complex ways.
A bad plumbing job leaks. A bad landscape job fails in ways that may not be apparent for years — drainage that doesn't work, plants that die, grading that creates problems instead of solving them.
License, Insurance, and Accountability
In California, a landscape contractor needs a C-27 license from the Contractors State License Board. Verify this at cslb.ca.gov before signing anything.
Insurance matters equally. Ask for a certificate of liability insurance — at least $2 million per occurrence is standard for larger projects.
What to Look for in Past Projects
Ask to visit at least three completed projects — not just a portfolio of photos, but actual sites you can walk through. Look at projects that are three to five years old to see how the work holds up over time.
When you visit, pay attention to details: how curves in paving are handled, whether plant spacing reflects mature sizes, whether irrigation heads are properly aligned.
The Design-Build Relationship
The best landscape work happens when design and build are handled by the same team or when there's a direct, ongoing relationship between designer and contractor.
If you're working with a separate designer, make sure the contractor has been involved in reviewing the plan before you sign a contract.
Red Flags to Watch For
Requests for large cash deposits upfront — anything over 10-15% before work begins is unusual. Quotes that are significantly lower than other bids. Pressure to sign quickly or to skip the permit process.
Contractors who aren't willing to provide written contracts, who avoid questions about timeline, who can't explain their crews and subs should all give you pause.
What Campbell Landscape Offers
We provide detailed proposals that include scope of work, specifications, timeline, and payment schedule. Our C-27 license (CAL Lic# 436593) is verifiable at cslb.ca.gov.
We don't subcontract our core landscape work. Our crews are employees, not day laborers, which means consistent quality and direct accountability. We stand behind our work and include a maintenance warranty on all planting.