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 DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Islip Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some companies offer lawn care services—such as mulching, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and controlling weeds—to help with your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaping company 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 landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Islip city government. It may 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a provider's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping contractor's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are proud to share designs and projects with potential customers, including before and after photos. You can ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices can include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Islip

Generally, landscaping costs $34–$51 per hour in Islip. These figures vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects need more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,134 - $17,512
Landscaping Design	$2,586 - $3,449
Landscaping LandGrading	$453 - $2,720
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $136
Planting FlowerBeds	$91 - $1,813
Planting Trees	$238 - $396
Sodding	$45 - $54
Swimming Pool	$34,449 - $90,654