CSLB-Verified ยท California
Licensed Landscaping Contractors in LAKE FOREST, CA
23 verified contractors ยท 15 with active workers' comp ยท Average 21 years in business ยท Updated August 2026
Finding a reliable landscaping contractor in LAKE FOREST means looking beyond reviews. Of the 23 CSLB-licensed contractors operating in LAKE FOREST, 15 carry active workers' compensation insurance โ meaning they can legally employ a crew on your property. 15 hold a Corporation or LLC structure, typically carrying stronger liability coverage than sole proprietors.
Climate & Hardiness in LAKE FOREST
LAKE FOREST sits in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10b, with minimum temperatures of 35โ40ยฐF and no meaningful frost season. Zone 10b is one of the most favorable climates for landscaping in the United States โ a near-endless growing season, but also near-endless water demand. Experienced contractors here design around California's water restrictions, favor Mediterranean and drought-adapted species, and build irrigation systems calibrated for year-round operation. The absence of frost also means pest and disease pressure never resets โ a contractor who understands Zone 10b biology is worth asking about.
23 Licensed Landscapers in LAKE FOREST
Elevation Vertical Gardens & Living Walls Inc
Licensed 2020 ยท 6 years in business
Corporation ยท Orange County
License #1064586
Status: CLEAR โ
(949) 627 0580
โ 5.0 (11 reviews) โ rating per their own site
License valid through Mar 2028
$25,000 bond ยท Western Surety Company
Online since 2018
Herrmann Cole
Licensed 2021 ยท 4 years in business
Sole Owner ยท Orange County
License #1078674
Status: CLEAR โ
(949) 581 9817
License valid through Jul 2027
$25,000 bond ยท Hudson Insurance Company
Olmedo Landscape Solution
Licensed 2026 ยท 0 years in business
Corporation ยท Orange County
License #1153783
Status: CLEAR โ
(949) 235 0389
License valid through Apr 2028
$25,000 bond ยท American Contractors Indemnity Company
Beyond Landscaping: Specialty Licenses in LAKE FOREST
Some LAKE FOREST landscapers also hold additional CSLB classifications โ useful when a project spans trades like drainage, concrete, or pools.
- 4 also hold General Engineering (A)
- 5 also hold General Building (B)
- 2 also hold Concrete (C-8)
- 1 also hold Painting (C33)
- 7 also hold Swimming Pool (C53)
LAKE FOREST Landscaping Market at a Glance
- 23 contractors hold a current, clear CSLB C-27 landscaping license
- 15 (65%) carry active workers' compensation insurance
- 15 (65%) are incorporated (Corporation or LLC)
- 17 have been licensed for 10 or more years
- Average time in business: 21.9 years
- Longest-established contractor: 48 years (licensed 1977)
LAKE FOREST Landscapers by Specialty
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a landscaping contractor's license in California?
Every contractor on this page links to its official CSLB license-detail record. Search the license number at cslb.ca.gov to confirm the license is current, the classification is C-27 (Landscaping), and the status is CLEAR before you hire.
What is the difference between a C-27 licensed contractor and an unlicensed landscaper?
A C-27 license means the contractor passed California's trade and law exams, posted a contractor bond, and is accountable to the CSLB. Unlicensed operators carry none of those protections โ you have little recourse if work is defective or someone is injured on your property.
Why does workers' compensation insurance matter when hiring a landscaper?
If a contractor employs a crew, active workers' comp insurance means you are not liable for on-site injuries. A contractor without it can legally work alone, but you take on real risk the moment an uninsured crew sets foot on your property.
Do landscapers in LAKE FOREST work year-round?
Yes. LAKE FOREST sits in a near frost-free zone, so planting, irrigation work, and maintenance run every month of the year โ though water-efficient design still matters under California's conservation rules.