DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.
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 planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an East Brunswick Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaping company, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include controlling weeds, pruning, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the East Brunswick city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping designs and projects, preferably ones similar to your own ideas. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should choose native plants (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in East Brunswick
Generally, landscaping costs $26–$39 per hour in East Brunswick. These costs vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large or complex projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,888 - $18,518 |
Landscaping Design | $1,948 - $2,598 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $415 - $2,493 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,662 |
Planting Trees | $218 - $363 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,574 - $83,090 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in East Brunswick
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some 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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