Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Islip, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction 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 complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise. Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Islip Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

• Services Offered

  Different landscaping companies cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, and mulching. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services. Plan to hire a full-service landscaper 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 upgrades and designs, such as gardening, adding hardscapes, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.

• Licensing and Experience

  Your landscaping company should possess the appropriate licenses from the Islip city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. 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
  It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory, but a way to show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Most providers have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

• Reputation and Reviews

  You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid providers that have frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service, or that have generally poor reviews.

• Work Portfolio

  Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

• Sustainability Practices

  Sustainability is important to consider during and after landscaping work. Ask your provider about its best practices for eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping companies should use native plants (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

• Cost

  Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations in which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.