Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Reading, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.

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

Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and expertise to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Reading Landscaping Company

Consider factors such as your budget and service needs as well as a provider's experience when hiring a landscaping company. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include pruning, controlling weeds, fertilizing, mowing, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions 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 designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. They can also help install fire pits, retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Reading city government. The company may employ the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. These certifications are not mandatory but can add to a provider's credibility. Landscaping companies should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Homeowners should request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge 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 select a provider with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of your landscaping company's past work. Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share projects and designs with potential customers, including before and after images. You can ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your own design ideas to get a picture of how yours will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices will include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. Additionally, your contractor 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

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use a quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in Reading

Landscaping in Reading generally costs between $25 and $37 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies might charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,318 - $16,424
Landscaping Design	$1,869 - $2,492
Landscaping LandGrading	$411 - $2,464
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $123
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,643
Planting Trees	$215 - $359
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,216 - $82,148