Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Allentown, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as an irrigation system or fire pit, requires construction and machinery expertise.

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor space. They help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term landscape maintenance plans. Contractors that offer lawn care services can help you improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making costly mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Allentown Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Consider your landscaping needs before choosing a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services—including mulching, mowing, controlling weeds, fertilizing, and pruning—to help improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Plan to 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, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Allentown city government. It may also 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 have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors usually have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor with good customer reviews. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure 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

Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of past projects with potential customers. Request to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices may include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Many landscapers offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Allentown

Landscaping typically costs $27–$41 per hour in Allentown, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like mowing or gardening are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, companies might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,543 - $16,725
Landscaping Design	$2,050 - $2,734
Landscaping LandGrading	$422 - $2,529
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,686
Planting Trees	$221 - $368
Sodding	$42 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,035 - $84,301