California Landscape License

Planning on hiring someone to take care of your landscaping for you? You want to make sure that they have the necessary license, as this protects your property. You can easily confirm this with a California landscape architect license lookup. If you are thinking of becoming a landscaper, you can also use the California license lookup landscape after getting your license to confirm your information is listed correctly.

Do Landscapers Need to Be Licensed in California? Does a Landscape Need a License in California?

Yes, California requires landscapers to have a license. The license in question is a C-27 Landscaping Contractor License. You will get this license from the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board.

The only exception to the licensing requirement is if your services cost less than $500, including labor and any materials. This is the same requirement for other types of contracting experience.

Many landscaping projects quickly go over this $500 limit, which is why it is wise to confirm someone is on the California landscape contractors license lookup before hiring them. Some examples of common landscaping services that will require a license include fencing, arbors, trellises, decks, drainage systems, water features, irrigation systems, lighting, patios, retaining walls, walkways, sod and plants, swimming pools, and tree trimming. Keep in mind that swimming pools do require an additional license, a C-53 Swimming Pool Specialty License.

How Do I Check a California Contractor License?

The easiest way to check a contractor license is via a California landscape contractors license lookup or any other contractor lookup.

How Do I Get a California Landscape License?

To get your California landscape license, you must have at least four years of experience. If you have a related four-year college degree, that can count for three years of the required four years of experience.

You will also have to get workers’ compensation insurance in addition to general liability insurance. You also have to get a bond and pass a background check.

Before getting your license, you will take several exams. These include an exam on the landscaping trade as well as one on business and law.

All landscapers in California also need to get their Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Certification. You can get this certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. You can also get a Landscape Maintenance Qualified Applicator Certificate with category B if you want to use pesticides with restricted use in your services.

How Do You Become a Landscaper in California?

Before you can apply to become a landscaper in California, you need to meet the minimum experience requirement of four years and be at least 18 years old. You will have to take the Law & Business exam and the Trade exam.

Some of the topics covered on the trade exam are site preparation, landscape design, hardscape installation, job estimation, irrigation system installation, job site safety, landscaping maintenance, and plant material installation.

You will have to pay an application fee and a licensing fee. The application fee is $330, while the licensing fee is $200 and paid annually. Keep in mind that for each additional classification you add to your license, there is an additional fee of $75.

How Do I Become a Landscape Architect?

It is also important to note that in addition to the C-27 Landscaping specialty, California also offers licensing as a landscape architect. This has additional requirements. You must have at least six years of experience and training. Then you have to pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination. Of those six years, between one and four can be educational, and at least two must be training or practice. After passing the exam and completing your application, you’ll get your license and can appear on the landscape architect license lookup California.

How Do I Get a Maintenance License in California?

If you want a maintenance license in California, the closest thing would be a contractor license. As mentioned, you do not need a contractor license if your projects are limited to those under $500. The caveat is that California consumers are not legally required to pay unlicensed contractors, so you cannot sue for unpaid services.

To get the contractor’s license, you will need to be 18 years old or older and have at least four years of experience. You will also have to pass a three-hour exam that features multiple-choice questions and tests for your knowledge.

Having this contractor’s license does not automatically mean you will appear on a California landscape license lookup. You need to get the C-27 landscaping license specialization of the contractor’s license.