Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Washington, NJ

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits require additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. 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, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Washington Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Washington city government. It may also 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 hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper 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 verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaper's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation. Your provider should implement plant life native to your area—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes from different companies—this allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies 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 Washington

Landscaping in Washington generally costs between $26 and $38 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, your provider might charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,683 - $16,911
Landscaping Design	$1,939 - $2,586
Landscaping LandGrading	$415 - $2,489
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,660
Planting Trees	$217 - $363
Sodding	$41 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,533 - $82,983