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 complete 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 designer or architect helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Hempstead Landscaping Company
Finding the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mowing, pruning, mulching, controlling weeds, and fertilizing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or 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
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.
Landscaping Costs in Hempstead
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in Hempstead, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,875 - $17,166 |
Landscaping Design | $2,141 - $2,855 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $427 - $2,561 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,708 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,444 - $85,378 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Lawn Care Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Hempstead
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.