DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be 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 completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Perth Amboy Landscaping Company
Aim to hire a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mulching, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is your best option if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Perth Amboy city government. It might also 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
Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider can explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should use plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Perth Amboy
Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in Perth Amboy, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,888 - $18,518 |
Landscaping Design | $1,948 - $2,598 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $415 - $2,493 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,662 |
Planting Trees | $218 - $363 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,574 - $83,090 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Perth Amboy
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some 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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