Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Middletown, NJ

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Middletown Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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 might include mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and pruning. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

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, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Middletown city government. Your provider 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 may also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be bonded and insured. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Middletown

Landscaping in Middletown generally costs between $25 and $37 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might 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	$12,704 - $16,939
Landscaping Design	$1,891 - $2,522
Landscaping LandGrading	$412 - $2,473
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,648
Planting Trees	$216 - $360
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,319 - $82,417