| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $4 to $12 per square foot; large design jobs $3,000 to $15,000 |
| Time | Leveling a yard takes 3 days to 1 week; smaller grading may take 1 day |
| Who's qualified | Ask for proof of insurance, relevant certifications (e.g., ASE for auto repair), and any license your state or city requires. |
Fair Lawn, NJ: what's different here
Fair Lawn is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, with a mix of residential lots and established yards. North Jersey's freeze-thaw cycles, snow and heavy rain make timing and drainage important for grading and installation work. Fair Lawn is about 16 miles and roughly 19 minutes by car from North Jersey via the main highway.
Do landscapers in Fair Lawn need to register with the borough?
Yes, landscaping businesses in Fair Lawn must register with the Borough annually before doing business in town. Landscaping and tree service or removal businesses are both covered by this annual registration rule. Ask any pro you hire whether they are registered for the current year.
Do irrigation or sprinkler jobs need a state certification?
New Jersey requires a business permit for landscape irrigation work, and the business must employ a certified landscape irrigation contractor. A home improvement contractor license does not replace that certification. Certification generally requires at least 3 years of irrigation experience, or education that counts as a substitution, such as 6 college credits or 90 course hours.
What do irrigation certification fees cost?
The rulebook lists a $45 application fee, a $150 examination fee, a $300 initial certification fee, and a $300 bi-annual renewal fee. Licensed plumbing contractors are exempt from the certificate requirement but still need a business permit for irrigation systems. Some minor sprinkler repairs are exempt, but controllers, valves, drip and micro-irrigation, and service work are not.
How much do common landscaping tasks cost per hour?
Landscapers commonly charge $50 to $100 per hour for smaller jobs such as lawn care or tree trimming. Landscape designers charge about $50 to $100 per hour as well. Ask for an itemized quote that shows hours and materials.
What to do next
- Ask the pro to show the current-year Fair Lawn landscaping registration before work starts.
- For irrigation work, verify the pro's New Jersey landscape irrigation contractor certificate and business permit.
- Request a written quote that lists the square footage, cost per square foot, and whether sod ($1 to $2 per sq ft) or seeding ($0.25 to $0.70 per sq ft) is included.
- Ask the pro for proof of insurance and confirm which tasks, such as grading, need a permit from the Fair Lawn building department.
- Call (551) 290-5640 or email [email protected] 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.
