DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Most homeowners have some 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 require additional machinery and construction expertise.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping works for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Oyster Bay Landscaping Company
Experience and reputation are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that the provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping companies serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You want a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. 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 outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Oyster Bay city government. It may also have 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
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current 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, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare rates and services and may even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, discuss project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Oyster Bay
Landscaping in Oyster Bay generally costs between $27 and $40 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will impact your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,090 - $17,453 |
Landscaping Design | $2,016 - $2,688 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $419 - $2,517 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $126 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $84 - $1,678 |
Planting Trees | $220 - $367 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,881 - $83,898 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Oyster Bay
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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