DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose 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 expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hackensack Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design 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 have the appropriate licenses from the Hackensack city government. The company may 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
Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should choose native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations where they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Hackensack
Landscaping typically costs $29–$43 per hour in Hackensack, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,387 - $17,849 |
Landscaping Design | $2,180 - $2,907 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $429 - $2,575 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $129 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $86 - $1,717 |
Planting Trees | $225 - $375 |
Sodding | $43 - $52 |
Swimming Pool | $32,618 - $85,836 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hackensack
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some 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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