DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You likely have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, intense labor, and heavy equipment. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require construction and machinery experience.
You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you lack the needed lawn expertise or if you're planning a larger yard overhaul, consider hiring a landscaper.
Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Staten Island Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your service needs, your budget, and the company’s experience. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers cater to different lawn needs. Some companies focus on services that help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and mowing. These providers also often offer pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're revamping your entire yard or adding new elements, such as a fire pit. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider should have the appropriate licenses from the Staten Island city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on 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 mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices will include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when selecting a landscaping company. Landscaping work done 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 landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Staten Island
Generally, landscaping costs $25–$37 per hour in Staten Island. These figures vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,526 - $16,702 |
Landscaping Design | $1,869 - $2,492 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $411 - $2,464 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $123 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $82 - $1,643 |
Planting Trees | $215 - $359 |
Sodding | $41 - $49 |
Swimming Pool | $31,216 - $82,148 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Staten Island
What are some 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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