Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Utica, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need machinery and construction experience as well.

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the right knowledge and skill set 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 doing it on your own.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Utica Landscaping Company

Aim to hire 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 considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, look for one that offers lawn care services. These services may include pruning, mulching, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and mowing. Some companies offer additional pest management services and tree removal.

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 designs and upgrades, such as gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the Utica city government. The company may employ 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors will usually have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. 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 delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

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

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and give you recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should choose native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Utica

In Utica, you can expect to spend approximately $19–$29 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work such as resodding will cost more than more straightforward tasks like mowing and gardening. Factors such as materials and the size of your yard will all influence your final price. For larger yards, a provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,711 - $15,614
Landscaping Design	$1,467 - $1,956
Landscaping LandGrading	$387 - $2,322
Landscaping Mulch	$23 - $116
Planting FlowerBeds	$77 - $1,548
Planting Trees	$203 - $338
Sodding	$39 - $46
Swimming Pool	$29,406 - $77,384