Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Clifton, NJ

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper 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 skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Clifton Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before selecting a provider. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services can include mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and pruning. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.

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

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Clifton 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 might also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured; most providers have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Ask for 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 design ideas to get an idea of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should select plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.

Cost

Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Clifton

In Clifton, you can expect to pay roughly $28–$42 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,264 - $16,351
Landscaping Design	$2,134 - $2,846
Landscaping LandGrading	$426 - $2,559
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,706
Planting Trees	$223 - $373
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,413 - $85,297