| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | About $4-$12 per sq ft basic; $3,000-$16,000 new installation |
| Time | Small projects take days; new installs often several weeks |
| Who's qualified | Ask for proof of insurance, relevant certifications (e.g., ASE for auto repair), and any license your state or city requires. |
Ridgewood, NJ: what's different here
Ridgewood is in Bergen County, New Jersey, and 52.3% of homes have four bedrooms or more, which points to larger yard needs. Single-family detached houses make up 78.3% of the village's housing stock. The area has mixed soils, sandy loam in the east and silt and clay in the west, which affects drainage and frost heaving. Ridgewood is about 19 miles and roughly 26 minutes by car from North Jersey via main highway.
Do landscapers in Ridgewood need to be registered?
In New Jersey, anyone who plants flowers, shrubs, or trees, or lays sod to establish a lawn must register as a home improvement contractor. Someone who only mows lawns and trims shrubs does not have to register. Unregistered contractors will not be issued municipal construction permits and cannot perform home improvement work in the state.
What is the hourly rate for landscaping help?
HomeGuide reports landscaping costs about $50 to $100 per hour for a 2-person crew, or $25 to $50 per person. Sod installation runs about $1 to $2 per square foot. Larger jobs typically need 4 or more workers over several weeks.
When is the best time to plant shrubs in Ridgewood?
New Jersey guidance says shrubs and bushes are best planted in fall or early spring, depending on variety, climate, and location. Ridgewood sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a/6b, with winter lows regularly reaching -5°F to -10°F. Plant depth should account for the 36-inch frost line.
Do landscape irrigation contractors need certification?
New Jersey landscape irrigation contractors need at least 3 years of experience before certification. The application carries a nonrefundable $45 fee. A certificate holder may work anywhere in the state, but standard local business licenses and permit fees may still apply.
What to do next
- Ask the pro for proof of insurance and confirm they are registered with NJ Consumer Affairs before work starts.
- Check that any planting or sod work is covered by a registered home improvement contractor.
- Request a written contract for any job over $500, as New Jersey requires.
- Ask the village whether your project needs a zoning or tree permit before work begins.
- Call (551) 290-5640 or email quote@njlandscapepros.com for a free quote from an independent, insured local landscaper.
NJ Landscape Pros is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
