Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bethlehem, PA

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 fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.

You can DIY some landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants. However, if you don't have basic lawn expertise or if you want to do a larger yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaping contractor.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the proper skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. They can recommend the most cost-effective upgrades and create long-term plans for landscape maintenance. If they also offer lawn care services, contractors can help improve your yard health, and you'll avoid making expensive mistakes attempting it yourself.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bethlehem Landscaping Company

You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mulching, controlling weeds, pruning, fertilizing, and mowing—to improve your yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.

A full-service landscaper is the best choice if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as fire pits, retaining walls, and sprinkler or irrigation systems. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as adding hardscapes, landscaping rock projects, and gardening. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in various areas, such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Bethlehem 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

It may also hold 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 bonded and insured. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

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

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Request your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

We recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies. This allows you to compare services and cost and may even help you negotiate a better price. Many companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, talk about project plans, and provide recommendations. Your detailed quote should include information about various project costs, such as labor and materials.

Landscaping Costs in Bethlehem

Landscaping typically costs $27–$41 per hour in Bethlehem, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, are less expensive than major yard work, such as resodding. Factors like your yard's size and the materials you choose will affect your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large or complex projects require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,434 - $16,579
Landscaping Design	$2,071 - $2,761
Landscaping LandGrading	$423 - $2,536
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $127
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,691
Planting Trees	$222 - $369
Sodding	$42 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,127 - $84,544