How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

When considering the type of landscaping you would like to do for your property it helps to have an idea of the costs involved and the different things to consider throughout the process. We have put together a basic list of things to consider and the price you may expect to pay. Keep in mind that all projects can vary in price based off several factors like your location. This is meant to be a rough calculation just to give you an idea of how much you may need to pay after it’s all said and done. Always plan with a buffer in your budget and plan for changes based on specific requirements needed to complete your project. New Paragraph

The Different Costs to Consider for your Design Project

Consultation

A proper consultation is an essential part of the landscaping design process. This gives us the opportunity to meet you and gives you the opportunity to discuss your needs and vision. Discuss your vision to gain insight into the best methods for improving your outdoor space and always remember to ask upfront if a consultation costs extra for the vision you have in mind.

When a Fee is Required for a Consultation

• Complex Projects: For more intricate designs that involve multiple services like design planning, construction, or special features like water installations and outdoor kitchens.
• Large Areas: Landscaping projects for larger properties often require more planning and design work.
• Specialized Projects: When your vision requires specialized expertise for things like soil testing or environmental assessments

When a Fee is Not Required for a Consultation

• Simple Projects: Basic lawn service and straightforward projects like mulching or planting.
• Promotional Offer: Sometimes the fee can be waived as a special promotional offer for following through with the design project.
• Virtual Consultations: A more cost-effective consultation makes it easier to provide you with the cost of your design plans so the savings get passed on to you.
• Initial Meeting: For quick meetings the consultation fee is not always necessary and can be forgone just to gain a general understanding of your needs.New Paragraph

Project Design

Raw Materials

The larger the design the more materials necessary to bring it to life. Some of these materials include soil, sod, foliage, mulch, and stone/brick. Here are some general guidelines to consider when planning your vision.

Basic designs can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on the size of your property.

• Soil and Mulch: $25-$55 per cubic yard
• Grass Seed or Sod: $0.15-$0.50 per square foot for seed; $0.35-$1 per square foot for sod
• Shrubs and Plants: $15-$60 per plant
• Small Trees: $100-$250 each

Mid-Range Designs can range from $2,000 to $11,000, depending on the features included such as:

• Paving Stones or Bricks: $2.5-$11 per square foot
• Retaining Wall Blocks: $3-$15 per square foot
• Medium-sized Trees: $250-$450 each
• Irrigation System: $2,000-$4,000
• Outdoor Lighting: $60-$200 per fixture

High-End Custom Design can range from $11,000 to $60,000 or more in material costs alone.

• Natural Stone: $11-$35 per square foot
• Decking Material: $17-$35 per square foot
• Premium Plants and Trees: $55-$300 per plant; $400-$1,000 per tree
• Aquascape Features: Starting at $1,200 for simple fountains to $11,000+ for ponds or waterfall installations.
• Outdoor Kitchen Appliances: $1,500-$10,000

Labor and Expertise

Landscapers bring the design and the raw materials together and their expertise is the glue for the project. The cost of hiring the right landscaper with the expertise to complete the project correctly will end up costing you far less than trying to cut corners and hiring someone that doesn’t have the skills to do it right. The scope of the work will determine the labor costs and will vary greatly depending on location, expertise, and how many landscapers are required to complete the project.

Basic Projects

• Lawn Maintenance, gardening, and treatments can range from $30 - $50/hour or a flat rate of $50 - $300 depending on the size and condition of the property.

Mid-size Projects

• Patios and path installations: $50 - $100/hour or flat rate of $1,000 to $5,000.
• Medium size tree planting: $50 - $150/hour and varies on the condition of the soil of the property and the type of tree being installed.
• Irrigation systems: Usually billed at flat rates between $2,500 to $5,000 depending on layout of the landscape.

Large, Custom Projects

• Retaining walls: $50 - $150/hour or based on the square footage of the wall at flat rates between $3,500 and $15,000.
• Aquascaping: Water features can range from $1,000 for a small fountain to $6,000 for a pond.
• Outdoor Kitchens and fire pits:  A simple hardscape design can start at $3,000 and more intricate designs can go up to $12,000 or more. 
  

Extra Costs to Consider Depending on Your Landscape Design and Vision 

Equipment Rentals

Rentals for heavy equipment may not be included in the cost and may add an extra cost to your project. Equipment like excavators, backhoes, skid steer loaders, etc. may be necessary and depending on the company you choose for your project may require a rental cost. Heavy equipment of this size can cost anywhere between $300 to $1,500/day so it is necessary that your landscaper is efficient while using this equipment.

Tree and Stump Removal

All projects can have unforeseen costs associated with it. If a stump needs to be removed, typically the cost ranges based on the diameter of the stump. A good estimate is between $2 to $5/inch in diameter and varies based on location, type of tree, and ease of cleanup.

Soil Testing and Preparation

Soil testing is a smaller cost than normal but is necessary to complete the job right. There are a few ways to handle it but usually it won’t cost more than a $200 - $300. If the soil requires grading or leveling, then it can cost much more and may require the use of specialized equipment. The typical residential costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 and if there are obstructions the price can move upwards to the $10,000 range. Another way to factor the costs is from $0.50 to $2.50/square foot.

Permits

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need various permits for the different types of work needed to complete the landscape design. Always consult local ordinances in your area to determine the permits required in your area. Fortunately, if you hire the right landscaper, they will have this knowledge handy and the prices up front. The type of work to that may need a permit before execution include but not limited to:

Major Landscaping work like retaining walls or patios and may range from $50 to $500

Grading and leveling of the slope to your property can cost anywhere from $100 to $300.

Irrigation may need a separate permit ranging from $50 to $200

Outdoor lighting a permit may be required for the electrical involved ranging from $50 to $200.

Large tree removals usually require a permit and can cost from $25 to $100

Special Features

Water features, outdoor kitchens, and lighting can significantly increase costs but also add value and functionality to your landscape. The costs for these projects are estimated below and could require additional costs to complete.

Fountains – Depending on the type of fountain you desire the cost can change. You can find a basic tabletop fountain for anywhere from $100 to $200. If you want a large free-standing fountain the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

Ponds – You can find preformed ponds for a few hundred dollars but if you want a custom pond then the price can cost a few thousand dollars depending on the size and shape you want.

Waterfalls – Basic waterfalls for the home can cost around $500 but a custom-built waterfall can increase costs significantly from $2,000 to $5,000.

Streams – A nice feature to add to any property that can be built at an affordable price of $1,000 but a more extensive stream may cost upwards of $3,000.

Ongoing Maintenance

Of course, the job is not complete after the initial landscape design and build. There is always maintenance involved with the lawn, plants, and any other features. This usually includes mowing, pruning, fertilization, etc. and varies in cost among companies. A good regimen is necessary to keep your property looking top notch all year round.

Timeline

Landscaping projects take time to design, procure the materials, and implement the design onto your property. It is important not to rush the process and to have a general idea of how long it is going to take to complete. Be realistic about the timeline and if the project needs to be expedited, there could be additional fees incurred. Be sure to discuss all these details up front in the consultation phase so there are no surprises left to answer throughout the process. There will always be hurdles to overcome in the buildout phase, but the right landscaper will help you navigate them with care. It is important to be flexible and to plan with a buffer in the budget you have for the project.

With these general estimates you now have a better understanding of the different costs involved in landscaping projects and what is necessary to consider for the design you have in mind. Reach out to us and we can help you plan the property you have always envisioned. Speak to our licensed and experienced landscaping professionals today at (305) 363-6709.