DIY Options vs. Professional Services
You may have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. More complicated projects, such as adding a fire pit or irrigation system, also require machinery and construction experience.
You can complete some landscaping projects yourself. 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 total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and develop long-term landscape maintenance plans. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an The Bronx Landscaping Company
Look for a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some providers focus on services to help with the health and maintenance of your yard, such as mowing, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and controlling weeds. These providers also often offer pest control 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 upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscapers are trained and certified in areas like horticulture, lawn maintenance, and outdoor design. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the The Bronx 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
Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check 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, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They may also have before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best 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 materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in The Bronx
Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in The Bronx, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. 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 | $12,499 - $16,665 |
Landscaping Design | $1,955 - $2,607 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $416 - $2,495 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,663 |
Planting Trees | $218 - $363 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,605 - $83,171 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in The Bronx
What are 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 pricing with a landscaping company?
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