DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the proper knowledge and skill set 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 Jersey City Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services can include fertilizing, mowing, pruning, mulching, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.
Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Jersey City 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 checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished 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 landscaper about its best practices for waste management, water conservation, 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
You should request quotes from multiple companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote will include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.
Landscaping Costs in Jersey City
Landscaping in Jersey City generally costs between $25 and $38 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will affect your final cost. For larger yards, companies might charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,202 - $16,269 |
Landscaping Design | $1,921 - $2,561 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $414 - $2,483 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $124 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,655 |
Planting Trees | $217 - $362 |
Sodding | $41 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,452 - $82,767 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Jersey City
What are some 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 can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.