DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an West New York Landscaping Company
You should consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, fertilizing, and mowing—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree clearing services.
A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the West New York 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
We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to select a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might 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
Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you 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
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You may wish to use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in West New York
Landscaping in West New York generally costs between $25 and $38 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in West New York
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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