Best 5 Landscaping Companies in West Hartford, CT

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an West Hartford Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mowing, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.

Look for a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the West Hartford city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• 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 National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, ideally ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

We recommend requesting quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies 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 West Hartford

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

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