Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Manchester, CT

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional construction and machinery expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Manchester Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper comes down to certain factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—including controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and mulching—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

Look for full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Manchester city government. It may also have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded; most contractors have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Manchester

Landscaping in Manchester generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,018 - $17,357
Landscaping Design	$2,107 - $2,810
Landscaping LandGrading	$425 - $2,549
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $127
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,699
Planting Trees	$223 - $371
Sodding	$42 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,290 - $84,974