Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Albany, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work 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.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Albany Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Albany city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. 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 may also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should choose native plants (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can even help you negotiate a lower price. Many providers offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project expenses, such as materials and labor.

Landscaping Costs in Albany

Generally, landscaping costs $29–$43 per hour in Albany. These prices vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider might charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of common landscaping projects:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,881 - $17,175
Landscaping Design	$2,171 - $2,894
Landscaping LandGrading	$429 - $2,572
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $129
Planting FlowerBeds	$86 - $1,715
Planting Trees	$225 - $375
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,577 - $85,728