Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Milford, CT

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.

You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Milford Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before picking a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, mowing, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

You want a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Milford city government. Your provider may employ the following certified staff members:

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

It may also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most contractors have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones that are 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 landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.

Landscaping Costs in Milford

Generally, landscaping costs $25–$37 per hour in Milford. These costs vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,926 - $17,234
Landscaping Design	$1,873 - $2,498
Landscaping LandGrading	$411 - $2,466
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $123
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,644
Planting Trees	$215 - $359
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,237 - $82,202