Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Lancaster, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Lancaster Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when selecting a landscaper. Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before selecting a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include mowing, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and controlling weeds. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Lancaster 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 Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are an added bonus, but not mandatory. Your landscaping contractor should be fully bonded and insured; most contractors have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Ask to see an insurance certificate or insurance numbers to verify a company's coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations, during which a contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Lancaster

Landscaping in Lancaster generally costs between $22 and $34 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,851 - $17,134
Landscaping Design	$1,696 - $2,262
Landscaping LandGrading	$401 - $2,403
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $120
Planting FlowerBeds	$80 - $1,602
Planting Trees	$210 - $350
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,439 - $80,102