Landscape design and installation covers the bigger jobs that reshape a yard rather than just maintain it: grading and drainage work, planting beds and tree placement, sod or seed lawns, patios and walkways, retaining walls, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting. Some West Haven companies handle the full process from a drawn plan to finished dirt work, while others focus on one piece, like hardscaping or planting, and bring in subcontractors for the rest. Knowing which type of company you're dealing with matters before you get a quote.
What to check before you hire
Ask whether the estimate includes a written design or plant list, who pulls permits for retaining walls or drainage changes over a certain height, and what warranty applies to plants that don't survive the first season. Get a timeline in writing, since West Haven's clay-heavy soil and coastal exposure can slow grading and planting work after heavy rain. Check that the crew, not just the salesperson, has done similar projects, and ask to see a finished job nearby if possible.
How we score the 15 local companies
We rank the landscape design and installation companies serving West Haven using factors like verified customer feedback, how consistently a company follows through on scope and timeline, and how it handles licensing and communication. The full breakdown of what goes into each score is on our methodology page. For the current rankings, see the best landscapers in West Haven guide.