Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Amherst, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise. Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise 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 Amherst Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a company's experience when hiring a landscaper. 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 fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services. You'll need a full-service landscaping company 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, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

• Licensing and Experience

  Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Amherst city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. 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 Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaping contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Most contractors have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

• Reputation and Reviews

  Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it 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 companies have before and after photos of previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

• Sustainability Practices

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

• Cost

  Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.