DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require 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 basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Elizabeth Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as mowing, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.
A full-service landscaper is the way to go if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Elizabeth city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We suggest using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Request to see 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 pictures. 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
Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies—this lets you compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Elizabeth
Generally, landscaping costs $30–$44 per hour in Elizabeth. These figures vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, the company may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,728 - $16,970 |
Landscaping Design | $2,234 - $2,979 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $432 - $2,594 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $130 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,730 |
Planting Trees | $227 - $378 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,863 - $86,482 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Elizabeth
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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