Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Schenectady, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire put or irrigation systems, require construction and machinery expertise.

You can complete some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a landscaping contractor for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you don't have the needed expertise.

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

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Schenectady Landscaping Company

Reputation and experience are important considerations for choosing a landscaper, but you also want to ensure that your provider offers the services you need at a reasonable price. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

You should hire a full-service landscaper if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Schenectady city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping companies should be fully bonded and insured. Contractors should have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

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

Work Portfolio

Ask for a portfolio of your landscaping company's previous work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. Ask to see photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas so that you can get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should choose 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

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and go over project plans. 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 services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Schenectady

Landscaping in Schenectady generally costs between $23 and $35 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. The price will also be affected by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,721 - $15,628
Landscaping Design	$1,742 - $2,322
Landscaping LandGrading	$403 - $2,419
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,613
Planting Trees	$211 - $352
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,643 - $80,641