DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Trenton Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include pruning, fertilizing, mowing, controlling weeds, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some also 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 have the appropriate licenses from the Trenton city government. The company may have 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
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both positive and negative reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Trenton
In Trenton, you can expect to pay around $25–$37 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks like gardening and mowing. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,683 - $16,911 |
Landscaping Design | $1,880 - $2,507 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $411 - $2,468 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,646 |
Planting Trees | $216 - $360 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,267 - $82,283 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Trenton
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
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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