Best 5 Landscaping Companies in New York City, NY

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Although many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, landscaping requires more advanced skills. Completing a full-scale landscaping project requires heavy equipment and intense labor. Adding more complex elements, such as a fire pit or irrigation system, requires construction and machinery expertise.

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have the needed lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects 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 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 New York City Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

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

A full-service landscaper is your best option if you're planning 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, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some may also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the New York City 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

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Landscapers should have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Your provider should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor who gets good reviews from customers. You can look at third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They may also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request finished landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important consideration both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should use native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't let their work affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices. Most landscapers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and go over project plans. Your detailed quote will outline project costs such as materials and labor. You can use this quote to compare companies and sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Landscaping Costs in New York City

Generally, landscaping costs $34–$51 per hour in New York City. These costs vary based on project size and type. Less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will cost less than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, which will increase the cost. Pricing will also depend on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$14,636 - $19,515
Landscaping Design	$2,591 - $3,455
Landscaping LandGrading	$454 - $2,721
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $136
Planting FlowerBeds	$91 - $1,814
Planting Trees	$238 - $396
Sodding	$45 - $54
Swimming Pool	$34,469 - $90,708