Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Upper Darby, PA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Large projects may require intense labor and heavy equipment. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional machinery and construction expertise.

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

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps you avoid expensive mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Upper Darby Landscaping Company

Aim to hire a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some providers offer lawn care services focusing on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, controlling weeds, mowing, pruning, and mulching. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

Look for a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your entire yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Upper Darby 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

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications are not mandatory but can lend credibility to a provider. Landscaping contractors should have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Any contractor you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Seek out companies with positive customer reviews and strong reputations. You can check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mainly negative reviews and frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results.

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 pictures. Ask for photos of past projects that are similar to your design ideas to get a picture of how your project will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, waste management, and water conservation, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaping company. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current 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

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

Landscaping Costs in Upper Darby

Generally, landscaping costs $28–$42 per hour in Upper Darby. These prices vary based on project size and type. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as gardening or mowing, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Bigger projects require more labor, which increases the total cost. Depending on the size of your yard, the company may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$15,807 - $21,076
Landscaping Design	$2,128 - $2,837
Landscaping LandGrading	$426 - $2,557
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,704
Planting Trees	$223 - $372
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,382 - $85,217