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California specialty classification

C-27 — Landscaping Contractor

California's C-27 specialty classification covers qualifying landscape systems and improvements within the official scope. It does not establish that every licensee offers the same services, experience, availability, or quality.

Search C-27 records by ZIP Official C-27 description
Official scope in plain language

What C-27 is designed to cover

CSLB describes C-27 as a specialty classification for developing qualifying landscape systems and facilities, including constructing, installing, maintaining, and repairing landscape improvements and preparing or grading land in connection with that work.

Landscape systems and facilities Landscape installation and repair Grounds improvement and treatment Connected site preparation and grading

Why the written scope still matters

A project can cross trade boundaries. The homeowner should identify every major component, ask who will perform it, and verify any additional classification or licensed subcontractor that may be required.

Homeowner project paths

C-27 projects are not all the same.

Use these categories to describe the project and compare contractor-selected lead preferences. They are planning tools, not additional state classifications.

Landscape Design

Plan a cohesive California landscape with planting, irrigation, hardscape, lighting, and drainage considered together.

Plan this scope

Landscape Installation & Yard Remodel

Plan new landscapes, full-yard transformations, and coordinated outdoor upgrades with a clearly defined C-27 project scope.

Plan this scope

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Replace thirsty lawn and planting with a lower-water landscape suited to your California property.

Plan this scope

Irrigation & Sprinkler

Scope sprinkler repairs, drip systems, new irrigation, and smart controller upgrades before comparing nearby C-27 records.

Plan this scope

Artificial Turf & Lawn Replacement

Plan artificial grass, pet turf, putting greens, sod, and lawn-removal projects with the right site-preparation details.

Plan this scope

Landscape Hardscape & Outdoor Living

Plan patios, paths, landscape steps, edging, and garden walls as part of a coordinated landscape project.

Plan this scope

Yard Drainage & Landscape Grading

Address pooling, runoff, erosion, and landscape slope problems with a clearly scoped site solution.

Plan this scope

Planting, Tree & Garden Installation

Find help installing trees, shrubs, privacy planting, native gardens, edible beds, mulch, and groundcover.

Plan this scope

Landscape Lighting & Water Feature

Add low-voltage path, step, and accent lighting or repair landscape water features as part of your outdoor project.

Plan this scope

Landscape Maintenance & Cleanup

Plan property cleanups, pruning, bed renewal, irrigation checks, and recurring care with a clear landscape scope.

Plan this scope
Adjacent trade checks

Some projects may need another classification.

These are examples to ask about—not automatic conclusions. Exact scope, incidental work rules, permits, and contracting structure can change the answer.

C-8

Concrete

for concrete work that is outside or not merely incidental to a qualifying landscape scope.

Check CSLB
C-10

Electrical

for electrical work beyond qualifying landscape-related scope.

Check CSLB
C-12

Earthwork & Paving

for specialized earthwork, grading, trenching, paving, and surfacing projects.

Check CSLB
C-13

Fencing

for projects centered on fencing rather than an overall landscape improvement.

Check CSLB
C-36

Plumbing

when the work requires plumbing beyond the landscape system scope.

Check CSLB
C-49

Tree & Palm

for specialized tree and palm work within that classification.

Check CSLB
C-53

Swimming Pool

for projects centered on swimming-pool construction.

Check CSLB
Classification questions

Use the right signal for the right decision.

Classification, preferences, reviews, and a written proposal answer different homeowner questions.

Does a C-27 license mean every landscape contractor performs the same work?+

No. The classification identifies a state-recognized trade scope. Each contractor can still differ in project experience, lead preferences, availability, reviews, staffing, insurance, and the work it chooses to offer.

Are contractor lead preferences another license classification?+

No. Landscape Genie lead preferences are self-selected project categories used to improve fit. They are not issued, verified, or endorsed by CSLB.

What if my project includes several trades?+

Ask who will contract for and perform every part of the scope, then verify the appropriate classifications and any subcontractors directly with CSLB before signing.

Search the live C-27 directory

Start with the property ZIP.

See one clearly labeled featured contractor plus 21 proximity-ranked public records, then compare preferences and profiles.