DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Queens Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaping company is the way to go if you want to revamp your entire yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Queens city government. The company may have 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
Look for a contractor who has an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. You want to avoid companies that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share photos of past projects with prospective customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, preferably ones that are similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Companies often have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Ask your landscaping company about its sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, the company should choose native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work completed shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. A detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use a quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Queens
Landscaping in Queens generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be influenced by the materials you choose. Here's the average cost of different landscaping services:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,875 - $17,166 |
Landscaping Design | $2,141 - $2,855 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $427 - $2,561 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,708 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,444 - $85,378 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Queens
What are warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Is a landscaper the same as a gardener?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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