DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. More complicated projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also necessitate machinery and construction experience.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaping company if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Ramapo Landscaping Company
Reputation and experience are important considerations when hiring a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need within your budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with yard health and maintenance, such as pruning, mulching, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You'll need 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 designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Ramapo city government. Your provider may employ 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
Find a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally 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 water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Ramapo
In Ramapo, you can expect to pay approximately $28–$42 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work such as resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,745 - $16,993 |
Landscaping Design | $2,134 - $2,846 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $426 - $2,559 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,706 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,413 - $85,297 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Ramapo
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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