Landscaping is one of the least regulated-feeling trades in practice and one of the most regulated on paper. Knowing the paper protects you.
Verify before you talk price
Five minutes of checking eliminates most of the risk.
- Look up the license on the CSLB website — check status, classification (C-27 landscaping, C-8 concrete, C-29 masonry) and bond
- Confirm workers' compensation coverage if they have employees
- Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the insurer
- Review recent local projects, ideally in your neighborhood and your style
California contract rules worth knowing
For home improvement contracts in California, the down payment is limited to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. Progress payments must not exceed the value of work performed. You also have a three-day right to cancel. A contractor who asks for 50% up front is telling you something important.
Compare bids the right way
Ask every bidder for the same line items: demolition and haul-off, base depth and compaction method, drainage, irrigation zones and controller, plant sizes and counts, lighting fixture counts, and cleanup.
The cheapest bid is usually the one with 2 inches of base, no drainage line item, and 'plants — allowance.' Compare scopes, then compare prices.
Frequently asked
- How do I verify a license number?
- Search the number on the CSLB license lookup. Ours is #1159370 — check it, and check anyone else's too.
- Should I pay in cash for a discount?
- No. It removes your paper trail, your warranty leverage and often the permit.
- What warranty is normal?
- One year on workmanship is standard; plant warranties vary and depend on the client maintaining irrigation.