Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Westchester, FL

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Westchester Landscaping Company

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

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a company. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and mulching. Some companies offer additional pest control services and tree removal.

You should hire a full-service landscaper 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 designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Westchester city government. It might also 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 bonded and insured; most contractors have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Request to see a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get an idea of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should choose plant life native to your area—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. The work on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Westchester

Landscaping in Westchester generally costs between $25 and $37 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,588 - $16,784
Landscaping Design	$1,860 - $2,480
Landscaping LandGrading	$410 - $2,461
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $123
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,641
Planting Trees	$215 - $359
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,175 - $82,040