Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Brooklyn, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, 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 construction and machinery experience as well.

You can do 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 landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise. Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Brooklyn Landscaping Company

Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

• Services Offered

  Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—such as mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and fertilizing—to help with yard health and maintenance. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services. You should hire a full-service landscaping company 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 landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.

• Licensing and Experience

  Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Brooklyn city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:

  • 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, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors will normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

• Reputation and Reviews

  Find a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.

• Work Portfolio

  Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

• Sustainability Practices

  Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers 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

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