DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping contractor.
Professional landscape designers and architects 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 expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Manhattan Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as mulching, controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, and fertilizing—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Manhattan 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
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previously completed projects with potential customers. Ask 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
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Manhattan
Generally, landscaping costs $25–$38 per hour in Manhattan. These costs vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, the company might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,250 - $16,333 |
Landscaping Design | $1,916 - $2,555 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $414 - $2,481 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,654 |
Planting Trees | $217 - $361 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,431 - $82,713 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Manhattan
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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