Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Buffalo, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

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

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total 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 develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Buffalo Landscaping Company

You should consider factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

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

A full-service landscaping company is your best choice if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and retaining walls. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Buffalo city government. It may also have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, including how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper 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

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Buffalo

In Buffalo, you can expect to spend roughly $24–$36 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than more straightforward tasks such as gardening and mowing. Larger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

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