DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an New Haven Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as mulching, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and controlling weeds—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should hold the appropriate licensure from the New Haven city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider might employ the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in New Haven
Landscaping typically costs $25–$37 per hour in New Haven, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Larger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in New Haven
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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