DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional construction and machinery expertise.
Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a total yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents costly DIY mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an New York City Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for selecting a landscaping company, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mulching, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. These companies often also provide pest control and tree removal services.
You'll want full-service landscaping if you plan to revamp your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the New York City city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previous projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request 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 both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers 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 multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.
Landscaping Costs in New York City
In New York City, you can expect to spend around $34–$51 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than simpler tasks such as gardening and mowing. Bigger projects need more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider might charge by the acre. The price will also be influenced by the materials you choose. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $14,636 - $19,515 |
Landscaping Design | $2,591 - $3,455 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $454 - $2,721 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $136 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $91 - $1,814 |
Planting Trees | $238 - $396 |
Sodding | $45 - $54 |
Swimming Pool | $34,469 - $90,708 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in New York City
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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