DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are looking for a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. 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 Orange Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, pruning, and mowing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you're planning to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the East Orange 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
You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company 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 overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are 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
Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in East Orange
In East Orange, you should expect to pay around $24–$35 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Larger 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 | $12,660 - $16,879 |
Landscaping Design | $1,782 - $2,377 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $406 - $2,434 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $122 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $81 - $1,623 |
Planting Trees | $213 - $355 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $30,828 - $81,125 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in East Orange
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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