DIY Options vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping employs heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaper if you’re completing a yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge 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 Yonkers Landscaping Company
You want to find a landscaping company that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know 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 picking a provider. Some companies offer lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
Look for a full-service landscaper if you plan to do a full revamp of your yard or want to install elements such as sprinkler or irrigation systems, fire pits, or retaining walls. These providers specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to architectural and design services.
Licensing and Experience
Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like lawn maintenance, outdoor design, and horticulture. Your provider should possess the appropriate licenses from the Yonkers city government. It may also employ the following certified professionals:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's customer experience and overall reputation. Stay away from companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects. Try to choose a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of previously completed projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is important to consider both during and after landscaping work. Ask your landscaping company about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you can also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscaping providers should opt for native plant life (such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.
Cost
Homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in Yonkers
Generally, landscaping costs $32–$48 per hour in Yonkers. These costs vary based on project type and size. Tasks that require less complicated work, such as mowing or gardening, will be less expensive than a larger project like resodding. Depending on your yard's size, the company may charge by the acre. Large-scale projects require more labor, increasing the price. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,117 - $17,489 |
Landscaping Design | $2,407 - $3,209 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $443 - $2,656 |
Landscaping Mulch | $27 - $133 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $89 - $1,771 |
Planting Trees | $232 - $387 |
Sodding | $44 - $53 |
Swimming Pool | $33,640 - $88,528 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Yonkers
What are warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How can I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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