Top Landscaping Contractors in Howell, New Jersey Ranked

Transforming your outdoor space in Howell, New Jersey, requires a blend of vision, planning, and professional skill. Landscaping contractors are the experts who bring that vision to life, managing everything from initial design and hardscape installation to planting and long-term maintenance. Whether you're looking to enhance your home's curb appeal, create a functional patio for entertaining, or solve persistent drainage issues, understanding the process and local market helps you make informed decisions and connect with the right professionals for your project.

Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist

213 Broad St, Keyport, NJ 07735

Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist is a landscaping and hardscaping company based near New York, NY, offering a wide range of services including sod installation, artificial turf, landscape lighting, yard drainage, tree services, and hardscaping features like pavers and retaining walls. They provide landscape design and commercial maintenance, with capabilities such as grading and drainage solutions. The company has received multiple service awards and maintains a strong reputation for detailed and attentive work. Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist serves the New York, NY area and surrounding communities.

5.0

367 Reviews

Michael's Landscape Design

750 Maple Ave, Southampton Township, NJ 08088

Michael's Landscape Design is a landscaping and hardscaping company serving the Philadelphia, PA area and South Jersey, including Burlington, Mercer, and Camden counties. Founded in 1997, the company offers a range of services such as landscape design, patio and paver installation, grading, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, and sod installation. They specialize in hand-laid brick and interlocking paver work and handle projects from small garden pathways to large property makeovers with an owner-operated approach ensuring attention to detail throughout the process.

5.0

127 Reviews

Zadlock Outdoor Services

37 McCaffery Rd, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726

Zadlock Outdoor Services is a landscaping company based near New York, NY, offering a range of services including landscape design, tree removal, stump grinding, yard drainage, grading, and general landscaping. They provide customized landscape solutions tailored to clients' ideas and budgets, with services extending to commercial maintenance, plant health care, and outdoor living installations. Their team serves the New York area and nearby locations, focusing on efficient project management and clear communication. Zadlock Outdoor Services emphasizes upfront pricing and timely responses to inquiries, helping clients understand their projects fully.

5.0

88 Reviews

J&J Landscaping & Construction

73A Stack Dr, Staten Island, NY 10312

J&J Landscaping & Construction is a landscaping and fencing contractor based in New York, NY. Since 2013, they have been serving Staten Island, New Jersey, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas, offering landscaping design, fence installation, and interior design services. Their capabilities include creating custom fencing solutions that combine functionality and aesthetics to enhance property boundaries. With over a decade of experience, J&J Landscaping & Construction brings creativity and precision to outdoor and interior spaces.

4.9

202 Reviews

Simply Soil Land & Lawn Care

934 NJ-36, Leonardo, NJ 07737

Simply Soil Land & Lawn Care is a landscaping and lawn care company based in New York, NY. They provide a range of services including lawn mowing, landscape lighting installation, tree and shrub care, core aeration and overseeding, mosquito and tick control, and complete landscape refurbishments. Their capabilities include outdoor lighting installation and comprehensive lawn care programs.

5.0

28 Reviews

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What Does a Landscaping Project Involve?

A comprehensive landscape project is more than just planting a few shrubs. It's a multi-phase process that turns your property goals into a tangible, beautiful reality. Professional landscape contractors guide you through each step, ensuring the final result is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

The journey typically begins with an initial consultation, where you discuss your ideas, budget, and any specific challenges like poor drainage or limited sun exposure^{1 2}. This is followed by a site visit, where the contractor takes precise measurements, assesses soil conditions, and evaluates existing features^{1 3}. Next, you'll receive a design and detailed proposal. This may range from simple sketches to advanced 3D models and will outline the complete scope of work, materials, labor, timeline, and costs^{1 4}. After approval and signing a contract, the installation phase begins, which can include excavation, hardscaping, planting, and installing systems like irrigation^{1 2}. Finally, a reputable contractor will provide a post-project walkthrough and discuss options for ongoing maintenance to protect your investment¹.

Common Landscaping Services in Howell

Local landscape professionals offer a wide array of services to meet different needs and budgets. These can be broadly categorized into installation/renovation and recurring maintenance.

Lawn Care and Maintenance For many homeowners, regular upkeep is the foundation of a great-looking yard. This often includes weekly or bi-weekly mowing, trimming, edging, and seasonal tasks like leaf removal and aeration. In the Howell area, comprehensive lawn care programs can range from $150 to over $400 per month, depending on the size of your property and the specific services included^{1 3}.

Softscaping and Planting This involves the living elements of your landscape. Installing new garden beds or refreshing existing ones with mulch and defined edging can dramatically improve your home's appearance. Costs for bed installation vary widely but often fall between $1,000 and $3,000 for moderate-sized areas, with mulch installation alone typically costing $400 to $1,500^{1 5}. For a complete lawn overhaul, sod installation for a new lawn is a larger investment, often ranging from $2,300 to $4,800 or more^{1 2}.

Hardscaping Hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural features. This is where major transformations often occur. Popular projects include:

• Patios and Walkways: Using materials like pavers, natural stone, or concrete, these features create functional outdoor living spaces. Costs in New Jersey commonly range from $10 to $25 or more per square foot^{1 6}.
• Retaining Walls: Essential for managing sloped yards and preventing erosion, retaining walls are a more complex installation, with costs typically between $20 and $40 per square foot^{1 6}.

Specialized Systems Adding convenience and ambiance often involves integrated systems. Landscape lighting enhances safety and beauty at night, while an irrigation system ensures your lawn and plants receive consistent water. These are significant add-ons that can add thousands to a project's budget but offer long-term value and enjoyment^{1 3}.

Understanding Costs for Landscape Work in Howell

The total cost of a landscaping project in Monmouth County is influenced by several key factors. While average ranges provide a guideline, your specific quote will depend on the unique characteristics of your property and your choices.

Primary Cost Drivers

• Materials: Your selection of materials has a major impact. Basic concrete is less expensive than natural bluestone or premium interlocking pavers. Similarly, common nursery plants cost less than mature, specimen trees or rare varieties^{1 7}.
• Labor: Professional labor is a significant portion of the budget. In New Jersey, hourly rates for skilled landscape labor can range from $50 to $150 or more, reflecting the high skill level and overhead costs of local businesses^{1 8}.
• Site Conditions: Properties with steep slopes, rocky soil, poor drainage, or difficult access require more time, specialized equipment, and engineering, which increases costs^{4 7 9}.
• Project Scope and Design Complexity: A simple planting bed refresh is far less expensive than a full-yard renovation involving demolition, grading, and multiple hardscape features. Custom designs with intricate patterns or curves also require more labor and precision^{1 6 9}.

Getting an Accurate Estimate Due to these variables, prices are almost always project-specific. Reputable Howell landscapers provide detailed quotes only after a thorough site visit^{1 2}. This quote should break down costs for materials, labor, equipment, and any permits required. It's wise to obtain multiple estimates to compare scope, approach, and value.

The Value of Professional Landscape Design and Installation

Hiring a professional contractor goes beyond just having the work done; it's about expertise and peace of mind. A well-executed landscape design improves your property's functionality, aesthetic appeal, and even its market value.

Expert Problem-Solving: Local contractors understand New Jersey's climate, soil types, and common issues like coastal weather effects or clay soil drainage. They can recommend plants that will thrive and design solutions that address problems like water pooling or soil erosion effectively⁷. Quality and Longevity: Professionals ensure installations are built to last. Proper base preparation for a patio, correct planting techniques for trees, and safe electrical work for lighting are all critical for longevity and safety^{1 6}. Efficiency and Project Management: A landscape contractor manages the entire process, coordinating different trades (e.g., excavators, masons), sourcing materials, and handling the logistical challenges, saving you significant time and stress^{2 3}.

Planning for Long-Term Landscape Health

A beautiful new landscape is an investment to protect. Discussing maintenance plans with your contractor during the planning phase is a smart move. Many offer ongoing service programs that include seasonal cleanups, fertilization, pruning, and irrigation system winterization. These services help ensure your plants establish well and your hardscapes remain in pristine condition, allowing you to simply enjoy your outdoor oasis for years to come^{1 3}.

Frequently asked questions

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