Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Union City, NJ

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works 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 don’t have basic lawn expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Union City Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when choosing a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and mulching. These providers also often offer pest management and tree cutting services.

You'll want full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Union City city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider might employ the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded; most contractors have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to confirm a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects. Try to find a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share completed 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 the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices may include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Union City

Landscaping in Union City generally costs between $25 and $38 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

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