Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Syracuse, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Syracuse Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper comes down to certain 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

Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

You need a full-service landscaper for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, or fire pits. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should have the appropriate licenses from the Syracuse city government. The company may have the following certified staff members:

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

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Ask to see a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be bonded and insured. Contractors will usually have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to verify that a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including reviews that frequently mention poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation. Your provider should implement plant life native to your area—such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower—for best results. Any work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and might even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as materials and labor.

Landscaping Costs in Syracuse

Landscaping typically costs $23–$35 per hour in Syracuse, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final price. For larger yards, companies may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects 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	$12,383 - $16,511
Landscaping Design	$1,753 - $2,337
Landscaping LandGrading	$404 - $2,423
Landscaping Mulch	$24 - $121
Planting FlowerBeds	$81 - $1,616
Planting Trees	$212 - $353
Sodding	$40 - $48
Swimming Pool	$30,695 - $80,775