Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Erie, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. A large project might require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems need additional machinery and construction expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Erie Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. 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 companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include fertilizing, mowing, pruning, controlling weeds, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

You want a full-service landscaping company if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some provide lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Erie 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

We recommend checking third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's customer experience and overall reputation. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share 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. Ask about finished landscape designs similar to your project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in Erie

Landscaping typically costs $20–$30 per hour in Erie, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than significant yard work, such as resodding. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type: