DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are looking for a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Clarkstown Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaper 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 selecting a provider. If you need assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services might include fertilizing, pruning, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.
You'll want 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 designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Clarkstown city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. 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
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after pictures. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work they complete shouldn't impact your existing vegetation.
Cost
Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, a contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. 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 rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Clarkstown
Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in Clarkstown. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like the size of your yard and the materials you choose will impact your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,745 - $16,993 |
Landscaping Design | $2,134 - $2,846 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $426 - $2,559 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,706 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,413 - $85,297 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Clarkstown
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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