DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects have the right skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes doing it on your own.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Newark Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and mowing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some even offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Newark city government. It might also employ 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
Find 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 poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These include waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly material options. Landscaping contractors should select plant life native to your area—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. The work completed on your property shouldn't affect existing vegetation. Your landscaper should advise you of sustainability practices for your project and offer recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many providers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare services and rates and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Newark
Landscaping typically costs $23–$34 per hour in Newark, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale 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 different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,386 - $16,515 |
Landscaping Design | $1,707 - $2,277 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $401 - $2,407 |
Landscaping Mulch | $24 - $120 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $80 - $1,605 |
Planting Trees | $210 - $351 |
Sodding | $40 - $48 |
Swimming Pool | $30,490 - $80,237 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Newark
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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