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.

You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, 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 can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living 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

Aim to hire a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you want assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services can include fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, and mowing. Some companies provide additional pest control and tree removal services.

Choose full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. 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.

Landscaping Costs in Amherst

Generally, landscaping costs $24–$36 per hour in Amherst. These prices vary based on project type and size. Less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,031 - $16,042
Landscaping Design	$1,796 - $2,395
Landscaping LandGrading	$406 - $2,439
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $122
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,626
Planting Trees	$213 - $355
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$30,889 - $81,287