Landscapers in
San Rafael, CA
13 landscapers listed in San Rafael
Landscaping professionals in San Rafael create stunning outdoor spaces with services including lawn installation, hardscaping, irrigation, and garden design. Find experienced landscapers who understand San Rafael's local climate and soil conditions.
Landscapers in San Rafael at a glance
- 13 landscapers are listed in San Rafael, CA on Ratedeed.
- 11 of the 12 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 2 ZIP codes in and around San Rafael: 94901, 94903.
Landscapers elsewhere in California: San Diego (124), Sacramento (88), Fresno (53), Bakersfield (49), Santa Barbara (46), San Jose (43)
Homes and landscapers in San Rafael: the local numbers
Housing in San Rafael
- San Rafael has about 23,909 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1968, 8 years older than the California median of 1976.
- 71% of homes were built before 1980 and 32% before 1960; 2% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $1,355,600.
- 53% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 47% are rented.
- 48% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (61% of homes), followed by electricity (34%).
- The median home has 4.8 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $2,377 a month.
- Home values run 85% above the California median of $734,700.
48% of San Rafael's homes are single-family detached houses, the homes most likely to have their own yard to maintain.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (San Rafael, CA).
Landscapers workforce in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area
- Median hourly wage
- $23.10
- People employed
- 12,270
- In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area, landscaping and groundskeeping workers earned a median of $23.10 an hour ($48,040 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $19.36–$37.38.
- About 12,270 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.84).
- These are what workers earn, not what landscapers charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers).
Climate in San Rafael and what it means for landscapers
- The average temperature in San Rafael is 58°F; summer afternoons average 78°F and winter nights 42°F.
- It gets about 35 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 3 nights a year at or below freezing and about 14 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 2,803 heating degree days a year against 395 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, San Rafael Civic Cen station USC00047880 (0.7 km from the city centre).
Top Landscapers in San Rafael
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
Showing 12 of 13. See every listing in San Rafael
More landscapers elsewhere in California
Listed in other California cities, not in San Rafael.
Licensing and consumer protection in California
Check that any landscaper you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
$1 million general liability minimum. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees. Bond of $25,000 required for licensure (increased under SB 607).
Mechanic's lien protection
California has one of the strictest lien regimes in the country. Preliminary 20-day notices must be sent within 20 days of starting work. Mechanics liens must be filed within 90 days after project completion (or 60 days after a notice of completion is recorded). Unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can place liens on your property even if you've paid your general contractor in full. Always collect lien waivers from all parties before making final payment.
What catches homeowners out in California
California's CSLB license verification is critical — always check a contractor's license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active and in good standing. California law requires a $25,000 contractor surety bond on every licensed contractor as a consumer protection backstop. For projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined under Business & Professions Code § 7048), a valid CSLB license is legally required. Unlicensed contractors face criminal misdemeanor charges, and homeowners who hire them forfeit key statutory protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do landscapers earn in the San Rafael area?
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area, landscaping and groundskeeping workers earned a median of $23.10 an hour ($48,040 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $19.36–$37.38. About 12,270 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.84). These are what workers earn, not what landscapers charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How old are homes in San Rafael?
The typical home in San Rafael was built in 1968, and 71% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $1,355,600. 48% of San Rafael's homes are single-family detached houses, the homes most likely to have their own yard to maintain. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How much does landscaping cost in San Rafael?
Landscaping costs in San Rafael range from $50–$150 per visit for basic maintenance to $2,500–$12,000+ for comprehensive design and plantings. Hardscaping projects tend to be the most expensive.
What landscaping services are available in San Rafael?
San Rafael homeowners have access to a wide range of landscaping services including lawn installation and maintenance, tree and shrub planting, irrigation systems, hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls), outdoor lighting, landscape design, and seasonal cleanup. Many contractors in San Rafael also offer specialized services like drainage solutions, sod installation, and xeriscaping.
Do I need a permit for landscaping in San Rafael, CA?
Most basic landscaping in San Rafael doesn't require a permit, but projects involving retaining walls over a certain height, irrigation systems connected to city water, grading that affects drainage, or tree removal may require permits. Contact the San Rafael building department for permit requirements. Check with your local building department before starting any major landscaping project in San Rafael.
How do I find a landscaper near San Rafael?
On Ratedeed, you can browse landscapers serving San Rafael who specialize in everything from lawn maintenance to complete outdoor transformations. Look for professionals experienced with San Rafael's local climate and soil conditions. Read reviews from other San Rafael homeowners, request free quotes, and ask for photos of completed projects in the area.
What plants grow best in San Rafael's climate?
The best plants for San Rafael depend on your specific location, sun exposure, and soil type. Local nurseries and landscapers familiar with San Rafael's climate can recommend native and adapted species that thrive with minimal maintenance.
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