Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Hempstead, 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 handle some landscaping projects yourself. 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 total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you don't have the needed expertise. Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hempstead Landscaping Company

Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

• Services Offered

  It’s important to assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, you’ll need a company offering lawn care services. These services might include mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, and fertilizing. Some companies offer additional pest control and tree removal services. Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

• Licensing and Experience

  Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Hempstead city government. It might also 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. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Landscapers normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Your contractor should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

• Reputation and Reviews

  Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to 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 previous projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Ask to see your provider'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

  Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (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

  Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies conduct free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.