DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping employs intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction 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're planning a total yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can explain 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 expensive mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Suffolk Landscaping Company
Selecting the right landscaping company depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping company. Some providers offer lawn care services—including fertilizing, mulching, pruning, mowing, and controlling weeds—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree removal services.
You should hire a full-service landscaping company 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, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, and other architectural elements, and some also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Suffolk city government. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Seek out companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Avoid companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices are essential for any landscaper. These include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should use native plant life—such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact your existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
You should request quotes from multiple companies. This lets you compare rates and services and can 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 expenses, such as labor and materials.
Landscaping Costs in Suffolk
Landscaping typically costs $26–$39 per hour in Suffolk, depending on project size and type. Simple tasks, such as mowing or gardening, are less expensive than significant yard work, such as resodding. Depending on your yard size, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below shows the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $11,994 - $15,992 |
Landscaping Design | $1,980 - $2,640 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $417 - $2,504 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $125 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $83 - $1,669 |
Planting Trees | $219 - $365 |
Sodding | $42 - $50 |
Swimming Pool | $31,717 - $83,467 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Suffolk
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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