Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Landscaping Services in New York City
Plant Specialists has been transforming urban landscapes in New York City for over 50 years. Founded in the early 1970s, our team of landscape architects, designers, and horticulturists specializes in rooftop gardens, terraces, and custom outdoor spaces that blend artistry with functionality. We offer comprehensive services including bespoke design, expert installation, and year-round maintenance, serving clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our use of eco-friendly practices and native plants that promote biodiversity. With certified expertise in green roof systems and advanced irrigation technology, we deliver solutions that enhance both residential and commercial properties.Our team includes licensed pesticide technicians and award-winning professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of plant health care. From intimate private gardens to large-scale commercial projects, we prioritize personalized service and long-term client relationships. Our work has been recognized for its innovative integration of natural elements into urban environments, creating spaces that are both visually stunning and ecologically responsible. This legacy of excellence continues through our ongoing investment in staff training and cutting-edge horticultural techniques.
Services
Garden Design
Green Roof Projects
Landscape Lighting
Irrigation Systems
Plant Health Care
Garden Maintenance
Indoor Plant Care
Pergola Installation
Custom Planter Design
Vertical Green Walls
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in New York City urban landscaping
- Our team includes certified green roof installers and licensed pesticide technicians
- We offer full-service solutions from design to ongoing maintenance
- We implement eco-friendly plant health care methods
- Our award-winning team maintains 100% client satisfaction through personalized service
Associations and certifications
- Zinco
- Hydrotech
- NYS licensed pesticide technicians
What people say
5-star experience
Exceeded expectations
Incredible craftsmanship
Exceptional service
Creative solutions
Services
Garden Design
Our garden design service creates customized outdoor spaces that harmonize with urban environments. Combining artistic vision with practical functionality, we develop detailed plans for rooftop gardens, terraces, and ground-level landscapes. Each design incorporates sustainable elements and plant selections tailored to specific light conditions and maintenance requirements, ensuring long-term beauty and ecological benefits.
Green Roof Projects
Specialized green roof installations transform underutilized rooftops into vibrant ecosystems. We implement certified Zinco and Hydrotech systems that provide insulation, stormwater management, and habitat creation. Our solutions range from simple sedum roofs to complex rooftop parks with integrated seating areas, lighting, and irrigation systems that meet NYC building codes and environmental standards.
Plant Health Care
Comprehensive plant health care services maintain optimal condition of urban green spaces. Our NYS licensed technicians use organic treatments and scientific diagnostics to address pest infestations, disease management, and soil nutrition. Regular maintenance programs include seasonal pruning, fertilization, and irrigation adjustments that ensure plant vitality in challenging city environments.
Landscape Lighting
Custom landscape lighting designs enhance nighttime usability and aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. Our integrated systems combine energy-efficient LED technology with strategic placement to highlight architectural features and plant textures. Lighting plans are coordinated with irrigation systems during initial design phases to ensure seamless functionality and minimal maintenance requirements.
Indoor Plant Care
Professional indoor plant services transform commercial and residential interiors with living greenery. We select appropriate plant species based on light conditions and maintenance needs, providing ongoing care that includes pruning, pest control, and seasonal replacements. Our installations range from office planters to large-scale living walls that improve air quality and workplace well-being.
People
Grahame Hubbard
Owner/Operator
With over 30 years in the landscaping industry, Grahame leads Plant Specialists' strategic direction while maintaining hands-on client engagement. His expertise in urban horticulture and sustainable design has driven the company's growth since the 1990s.
Peter Morris
Plant Healthcare / Training Manager
Peter oversees plant health programs and staff training, bringing 25+ years of experience in organic pest management and soil science. He develops customized treatment protocols for NYC's unique urban growing conditions.
Rishi Ramdeen
Plant Care Health Manager
Rishi manages daily plant maintenance operations, combining formal horticultural education with 18 years of practical experience in Manhattan's challenging climate conditions.
Felicia Perez
Garden Care Manager
Felicia supervises garden maintenance teams, ensuring consistent quality across all client properties. She has specialized in urban garden care since 2005, developing efficient seasonal maintenance protocols.
Dave Swartzendruber
Designer
Dave leads landscape design projects, applying his formal education in environmental design to create functional outdoor spaces that maximize limited urban areas.
Questions
What areas of New York City do you service?
We serve all five boroughs with primary focus on Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Our teams handle projects from small private terraces to large commercial properties across the city.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we work with both residential clients and commercial properties including office buildings, hotels, and retail spaces throughout New York City.
What makes your green roof installations unique?
As certified installers for Zinco and Hydrotech systems, we combine technical expertise with creative design to create functional green roofs that meet NYC building codes and environmental regulations.
How do you maintain plant health in urban environments?
Our licensed technicians use scientific diagnostics and organic treatments tailored to NYC's specific challenges, including air pollution, limited sunlight, and extreme temperature variations.
Can you redesign existing outdoor spaces?
Yes, we specialize in transforming existing spaces with updated designs that improve functionality while maintaining or enhancing current plantings where possible.
What's included in your garden maintenance packages?
Our packages include seasonal pruning, fertilization, pest control, irrigation adjustments, and regular inspections to maintain optimal garden condition throughout the year.
