Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Franklin, NJ

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.

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 total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop 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 doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Franklin Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for selecting a landscaper, but it's also important that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mowing, controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.

You'll want full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Franklin city government. It may have 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, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Request a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should opt for native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project ideas. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Franklin

Landscaping typically costs $28–$41 per hour in Franklin, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,588 - $16,784
Landscaping Design	$2,094 - $2,791
Landscaping LandGrading	$424 - $2,544
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $127
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,696
Planting Trees	$222 - $371
Sodding	$42 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,229 - $84,813