DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have at least basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.
You can do some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed, are easier to DIY. However, 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.
Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps prevent you from making expensive mistakes. Professionals have the skills and know-how to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an White Plains Landscaping Company
Take into consideration factors such as your services needs and budget as well as a company's experience when selecting a landscaping company. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
You should know what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, and pruning. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
Look for full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should possess the appropriate licenses from the White Plains city government. It may have the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Read about the company on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Explore both negative and positive reviews to gauge how a provider treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mainly negative customer reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to 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. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaper about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should use native plants (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
You should request multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and might even help you negotiate a lower price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and make recommendations. Your detailed quote includes information about various project expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in White Plains
In White Plains, you should expect to pay around $32–$48 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks such as gardening and mowing. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will all influence your final cost. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,117 - $17,489 |
Landscaping Design | $2,407 - $3,209 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $443 - $2,656 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $133 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $89 - $1,771 |
Planting Trees | $232 - $387 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,640 - $88,528 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in White Plains
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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